Multiple law enforcement agencies respond to fight with weapons in Butler
By Carolyn Reid
Thursday evening’s dinnertime quiet was interrupted as the Pendleton County Sheriff’s Department, Falmouth Police, Kentucky State Police, and Butler police responded to a call at approximately 6:05 p.m. in the area of Mill and Taylor streets in Butler. According to the report from Deputy Steve Linville of the sheriff’s department, he responded to a report of “seven to eight Hispanic males chasing each other with sticks, clubs, and a knife.”
Linville arrived on the scene nearly 10 minutes later to find a male subject running toward him with a wooden club. On his command, the man dropped the club.
Chief Deputy Eric Conrad responded to the call after hearing it at his home, and Falmouth Police Chief Marty Hart along with Sergeant Nick Timon and Officer Ruey Couch came onto the scene from Falmouth. According to Linville’s report, the responders “detained eight individuals initially for their safety, the safety of the general public,” and the safety of law enforcement.
A witness
After the scene was secured, Linville said he contacted dispatch to have them contact Butler Police Chief Kenny Hale who also responded. Hale was off work at the time of the incident.
Sheriff Jared Brewer also responded to the scene.
A state trooper who speaks Spanish conducted interviewed the subjects, helping with the language barrier. Through that discussion, each person interviewed stated the “manager,” Ronaldo Miguel Lopez, “woke up and began challenging all of them to a fight,” the report stated. Lopez then brandished a butcher knight and “began chasing them through the streets of Butler.”
No injuries were reported at the scene, Linville said, and Lopez complied with the officers on scene. He was “transported and lodged at Bourbon County Regional Detention Center without further incident.”
Lopez was reportedly under the influence of alcohol and cocaine. He was arrested by Linville and was charged with Alcohol Intoxication in a Public Place, Public Intoxication of a Controlled Substance, Disorderly Conduct 2nd Degree, Menacing, Terroristic Threatening 3rd Degree, Attempted Assault 2nd Degree, and Possession of Controlled Substance 1st Degree (Cocaine).