Man facing multiple drug charges after traffic stop, struggle with police

PADUCAH, Ky. (KBSI) – A man faces drug and other charges after police say he was found with esctasy and fentanyl pills when he was pulled over for an expired vehicle registration.

Clifton T. Barner, 33, of Trail Loop Drive faces charges of trafficking in a controlled substance (carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives), first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, three counts of third-degree assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, tampering with physical evidence, possession of paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, no registration plates, no registration receipt, failure to produce insurance card and license to be in possession.

A man is jailed after he was found with suspected ecstasy and fentanyl pills
and fought with officers during his arrest.

Paducah Police Officer Seth Farthing stopped a car driven by Barner after he noticed the vehicle’s registration was expired.

Officer Farthing said the odor of marijuana was coming from the vehicle. Officers found a small amount of marijuana and a plastic bag containing about 75-100 suspected ecstasy pills on Barner, according to the police department.

While being handcuffed, Barner resisted and tried to run. Police say Barner, who is 6 foot 5 inches and nearly 300 pounds, struggled with three officers before he was handcuffed.

He complained of knee pain after his arrest and was taken to Mercy Health Lourdes Hospital.

Three officers sustained cuts and scrapes to their hands and forearms.

When Barner was released from the hospital emergency room, officers found in his bed a plastic bag containing 50-75 suspect fentanyl pills, according to police.

Barner was booked into McCracken County Regional Jail.

Police say he has an extensive history of convictions for drug trafficking and was on supervised release through the Department of Corrections until 2031.