Paducah man arrested after meth trafficking investigation, foot chase
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
MCCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky. (KBSI) — A Paducah man is facing multiple charges after a multi-agency investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in McCracken County.
According to the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, detectives identified 35-year-old Richard L. Johnson as a suspected methamphetamine trafficker who allegedly received parcels containing controlled substances shipped from California through the U.S. mail. Investigators said several intercepted packages contained multiple pounds of methamphetamine that was destined for distribution in McCracken County.
Authorities also allege Johnson, a convicted felon, mailed two Glock handguns to California through the U.S. Postal Service on July 29. The firearms were intercepted and seized by U.S. Postal Inspectors.
On Aug. 7, detectives arranged a controlled operation in which Johnson allegedly agreed to exchange about a quarter-pound of methamphetamine for two handguns at a hotel in the 2900 block of John Puryear Drive. Investigators said no firearms were introduced during the operation for safety reasons, and Johnson instead arrived with a simulated controlled substance he intended to pass off as methamphetamine.
When deputies attempted to arrest Johnson, he fled on foot before being captured after a brief chase.
During the investigation, deputies recovered a simulated controlled substance, suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and other evidence.
Johnson was booked into the McCracken County Regional Jail on charges including conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession for sale or transfer of a simulated controlled substance, two counts of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, second-degree fleeing or evading police on foot, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to notify the Department of Transportation of an address change.
The sheriff’s office said Johnson was out on bond in an unrelated burglary case at the time of his arrest. The investigation remains ongoing, and investigators say additional arrests and possible federal charges are expected.
