Man Armed With Rifle and Hammer Disrupts Lexington Skate Park Event, Barricades Himself Inside Nearby Home
LEXINGTON, Kentucky — Police say a man armed with a rifle and hammer caused panic Saturday afternoon after he disrupted a skate event at a Lexington park, then barricaded himself in a nearby home for nearly an hour before being taken into custody.Chaos at Berry Hill Park
According to Lexington Police Lt. Benjamin Stratton, officers were called to Berry Hill Park on Buckhorn Drive around 12:05 p.m. after witnesses reported that a man had approached the event’s sound system and smashed a speaker with a hammer in front of a crowd of children and families.
“There were many juveniles in the park for a skate event at the time,” Stratton said, noting that the suspect’s actions immediately sent several attendees running for safety.
The man was reportedly carrying a rifle in addition to the hammer, though police confirmed that no shots were fired during the disturbance.
Barricade and Arrest
After destroying the speaker, the suspect fled to a nearby home, where he barricaded himself inside for approximately an hour, police said.
Officers surrounded the residence, blocked off nearby streets, and urged residents to remain indoors while crisis negotiators attempted to make contact.
The situation ended when the man came to the door voluntarily and was taken into custody without incident. No one was injured during the confrontation.
Investigation Ongoing
As of late Saturday, police had not released the man’s name or announced any formal charges. Investigators are continuing to determine what prompted the disturbance and whether the rifle was loaded.
The Lexington Police Department said additional details, including potential charges and motive, will be released once the investigation is complete.
The skate event, which was intended to highlight local youth skating talent, resumed later in the afternoon under police supervision. For ongoing updates on Kentucky safety alerts and community incidents, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.