Police arrest Lafayette man for theft, drug trafficking

Hopkinsville Police arrested 49-year-old Jason James of Lafayette on Wednesday after he reportedly shoplifted from Rural King and was in possession of methamphetamine.

Officers arrived at Rural King on Fort Campbell Boulevard for reports of a shoplifter. The store’s manager showed officers surveillance footage of James reportedly stealing two sets of tools worth nearly $500 each. The footage also allegedly captured James leaving through an emergency exit and hopping into a getaway vehicle.

The getaway driver was later arrested at the Marriott Inn as officers were responded to a report concerning a theft of services. At the hotel officers located the stolen tools leading to the arrest.

James was later located in the O’Charley’s parking lot and attempted to hide in a drainage tunnel but was caught. While officers were searching James, they reportedly found 29 grams of methamphetamine and a glass pipe. He reportedly admitted to committing the theft and owning the methamphetamine.

James was charged with third-degree burglary, shoplifting, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft of services.