Man arrested on drug charges, owl recovered in Graves County

GRAVES COUNTY, Ky. – One man is behind bars after authorities say they found illegal drugs and an owl in a residence in Graves County.

According to a social media post by the Graves County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched just after 6 a.m. Monday to the area of Pryorsburg on U.S. Highway 45 South for a man yelling for help in the middle of the highway.

Authorities say upon arrival, they located a man under the influence of a substance.

The male subject was identified as 37-year-old Joseph L. Brown of Graves County.

Authorities say Brown started resisting arrest, spitting at a deputy and kicking another in the chest.

Deputies say once Brown was placed into a patrol car, Brown then caused around $1,400 worth of damage to the back passenger compartment of the patrol car.

According to authorities, Brown was charged with two counts of third-degree assault, public intoxication, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, trafficking in marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine and second-degree possession of a controlled substance.

During a search warrant execution at Brown’s residence, authorities say they located “a plethora of drug evidence,” including methamphetamine, several sets of electronic scales with drug residues, plastic bags containing drug residues, marijuana, suboxone strips and drug smoking devices.

Authorities say a loaded .380 semi-automatic pistol and other items were also seized, along with an owl.

Deputies say the owl was located in a cage without food or water.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife responded to the scene and took possession of the owl, according to authorities.

Brown was transported to an out of county detention center.

Further charges are pending at this time.