Franklin police cruiser damaged during man’s arrest, officers say

FRANKLIN, Ky. – A Franklin Police Department cruiser is allegedly damaged after the arrest of a local man on Tuesday.

According to a uniform citation, Franklin police were dispatched to a fight in progress at a residence on Johnson Street.

Authorities say upon arrival, multiple people ran inside of the residence.

Police say while approaching the home, 49-year-old Thomas Neal of Franklin exited while brandishing a knife roughly 12 inches long,

According to the citation, an officer held Neal at gunpoint and gave verbal commands to drop the knife and to get on his stomach. Authorities say he complied and was detained.

Officers say Neal stated he grabbed the knife due to being threatened with brass knuckles.

While in a police cruiser, officers say Neal began kicking the back door, causing it to bow out and not function.

Neal was lodged at the Simpson County Jail. He faces charges of fourth-degree assault (minor injury), third-degree terroristic threatening, second-degree wanton endangerment, first-degree criminal mischief and second-degree disorderly conduct.