Fugitive Wanted for Child Sex Crime Found Hiding in Paducah Traffic Stop, Meth Discovered in Car: Sheriff Says
PADUCAH, KENTUCKY — A fugitive from Livingston County was captured Thursday after a brief foot chase and drug bust during a traffic stop in Paducah, according to the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies arrested 41-year-old Justin Metcalf of Smithland, who was wanted on multiple outstanding warrants, including charges of attempting to induce a minor to engage in sexual activity and failing to appear in court on a separate assault case.
Fugitive Tried to Flee After Traffic Stop
Authorities say detectives had received information that Metcalf, who was considered a fugitive, had crossed from Illinois into Kentucky via North 8th Street in Paducah.
After initiating a traffic stop, Metcalf reportedly jumped out of the vehicle and ran, but deputies chased him down and quickly apprehended him.
Drugs Found in Vehicle During Arrest
A passenger, identified as 37-year-old Jamie Metcalf, also from Smithland, was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court.
During a search of the vehicle, detectives discovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to the sheriff’s office.
Justin Metcalf now faces several new charges, including:
- Fleeing or Evading Police
- Resisting Arrest
- Possession of Methamphetamine
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Both Justin and Jamie Metcalf were booked into the McCracken County Regional Jail.
Sheriff’s Office and Paducah Police Worked Jointly
The McCracken County Sheriff’s Office credited the Paducah Police Department with assisting in the arrest. Officials said the swift response prevented Metcalf from escaping or discarding evidence.
The sheriff’s office added that the arrest is part of ongoing cooperation between local and regional law enforcement to locate fugitives with serious charges and prevent the spread of drug-related activity across county lines.
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