Tompkinsville man charged with public intoxication at police department

TOMPKINSVILLE, Ky. – A Tompkinsville man is charged with public intoxication after walking into the local police department.

According to a uniform citation, a Tompkinsville police officer was requested to speak to a male subject, later identified as 54-year-old Garvis Morris Jr. of Tompkinsville, about transferring the titles of two vehicles.

Police say they immediately detected the smell of alcoholic beverages on Morris. Authorities say his balance appeared impaired, and he was slurring his speech.

Throughout an interaction, police say Morris became increasingly erratic and aggressive.

Officers say they told Morris they could not assist with locating the vehicles or completing a title transfer due to it being a civil matter.

After being requested to follow the officer to the department lobby, officers say Morris refused, stating he “knew what would happen” and that he would get arrested for public intoxication.

Morris stated he had been drinking, police say.

Morris was then told he was being arrested for public intoxication.

Police say Morris began resisting arrest, backing away, refusing commands, making threats and striking an officer in the face during the interaction.

Eventually, authorities say a taser was deployed, and Morris was arrested.

Morris was transported to the Barren County Detention Center on charges of alcohol intoxication in a public place, first and second offense, first-degree disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, first-degree terroristic threatening and third-degree assault of a police or probation officer.