UPDATE: KSP arrests wanted man in Barren County after incident in Temple Hill

GLASGOW, Ky. – The Kentucky State Police says it has arrested a person of interest in Barren County in relation to a pursuit in Temple Hill on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, Oct. 15, troopers say they conducted a traffic stop at 2:06 p.m. on a white Chevrolet Trailblazer or moving violations in the Temple Hill area of Barren County.

While the vehicle was stopped, authorities say a male passenger, identified as Thomas L. Upton, 44, of Fredonia, left the vehicle and ran from troopers.

At one point, troopers say Upton was seen pulling out a firearm from his waistband before throwing it on the ground.

Troopers say the pursuit continued until they lost sight of Upton in the woods.

The unknown driver of the vehicle fled the scene, and the driver’s whereabouts are still not known, authorities say.

A female passenger in the vehicle, identified as Helen S. Vibbert, 44,of Park City, was later arrested at the scene and is charged with obstructing governmental operations.

According to KSP, law enforcement from multiple agencies quickly responded and began a search for Upton. This included the KSP Aircraft Branch, which used a helicopter to assist.

Temple Hill Elementary School was placed on a brief lockdown Tuesday afternoon as a precaution result of this incident.

Authorities say the search lasted several hours before it was called off.

On Wednesday, troopers say a school resource officer assigned to Temple Hill Elementary saw a male matching Upton’s description in the area and contacted KSP. A trooper conducting routine patrol located the male and confirmed it was Upton.

Upton was arrested for an unrelated arrest warrant and was transported to the Barren County Detention Center.

Upton was later charged with third-degree fleeing and evading, first-degree wanton endangerment – police officer, second-degree criminal mischief, possession of a defaced firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, second-degree hindering prosecution or apprehension and third-degree terroristic threatening relating to the traffic stop and foot pursuit.

Troopers were assisted on scene by the Barren County Sheriff’s Office. This investigation is ongoing by KSP and is being led by trooper Hayden Phillips.

KSP urges anyone with information regarding this incident to contact KSP Post 3 at 270-782-2010.