(Benton, KY.) - At approximately 10:14 a.m. on April 4, 2016 Kentucky State Police Post 1 and the Marshall County Sheriff's Office responded to a possible hostage situation at a residence on Wadesboro Road in Benton, KY.
When Trooper David Dick arrived on scene he observed Ronald T. Fleet, 41, of Benton outside the residence holding a rifle. Trooper Dick observed Fleet retreat behind the residence before coming back out without the firearm. Fleet was taken into custody without incident.
Preliminary investigation shows that Fleet held his girlfriend, Melissa Buchanan, 33, of Benton, KY and 2 juveniles, ages 8 and 12, against their will inside the residence through the early hours of Monday morning.
At some point that morning, Buchanan was able to contact a family member who in turn contacted law enforcement. During the late hours of the morning prior to the arrival of law enforcement, the juveniles had been allowed to leave the residence. The juveniles were located by law enforcement at a neighbor's residence unharmed.
During a consent search of the residence units located a long gun, a small amount of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.
Fleet was arrested and charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Class D Felony), Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree (Class D Felony), Unlawful Imprisonment 1st Degree (Class D Felony), Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st Degree - Methamphetamine (Class D Felony), Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess (Class A Misdemeanor), and Public Intoxication (Class B Misdemeanor). He was lodged in the Marshall County Detention Center.
The investigation continues by Trooper David Dick.
KSP was assisted on scene by The Marshall County Sheriff's Office.
