Florida man arrested in Paducah after community tips lead to kidnapping, domestic violence charges

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — A Florida man was arrested in Paducah after police said community tips helped locate him following an alleged domestic violence incident and kidnapping.

According to the Paducah Police Department, officers responded Dec. 21, 2025, to a report of unknown trouble in the 3900 block of Hinkleville Road. Officers met with a victim who reported that a former partner, Don T. Gray, had traveled from Florida and unexpectedly appeared at her workplace on Dec. 20, despite an active domestic violence order prohibiting him from being near her or her place of employment.

The victim told officers that after leaving work, she walked to a nearby motel to meet a friend. While going upstairs, she said Gray grabbed her, forced her into a hotel room and held her against her will. Police said the victim reported being physically assaulted before she was eventually able to convince Gray to let her leave.

Officers and detectives conducted an extensive search for Gray, following multiple leads throughout the area. After receiving a tip from a member of the public, officers located Gray in Paducah and took him into custody.

Gray, 45, of Gulf Breeze, Florida, was arrested at about 8:30 p.m. Dec. 23 in the 1400 block of Bechtold Road and lodged in the McCracken County Jail.

He is charged with fourth-degree assault (domestic violence), violation of a foreign emergency or domestic violence protective order, and kidnapping.

Police thanked the public for its assistance in resolving the case.