Laurel County, Ky. - Sheriff John Root is reporting that Deputy Kyle Gray arrested Christopher Smith age 21 Wild Wood apartments, London on Friday night April 10, 2015 at approximately 9:36 P.M..
The arrest occurred off Joel Lane approximately 7 miles south of London after Deputy Gray was dispatched to a complaint of a reported stolen vehicle from a residence there.
When Deputy Gray arrived at the scene he learned that this subject wanted to report his 2003 Chevrolet Impala as a stolen vehicle. Smith told Deputy Gray that he had slept till 7 P.M. and when his wife went outside to get their cell phone out of the vehicle they noticed the vehicle had been stolen.
Deputy Gray noted that Smith's face was red with a few blisters on his face – Smith told Deputy Gray that he had burned his face the day before when he was lighting a charcoal Bar BQ Grill. However, as the investigation continued, it was determined that this subject had apparently been having problems with this vehicle and decided to take the car into the woods and set it on fire.
After he set the car on fire he shaved his head of burnt hair and tried to wash off the burnt smell.
Christopher Smith was charged with falsely reporting an incident and tampering with physical evidence. More charges are expected as the investigation continues.
Assisting on the investigation and arrest was Deputy Milton Storm, C.S.O. Joey Robinson and U.S. Forest Service Officer Michael Harrison.
Christopher Smith was lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center.
Photo of accused is courtesy of the Laurel County Detention Center.
