Laurel deputy assaulted, injured while arresting trespasser

A Laurel County deputy was injured Thursday night in a fight with a suspect who was allegedly trespassing at a north Corbin residence.

Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, the department’s public affairs officer, said Sergeant Greg Poynter suffered a serious injury to his hand in the fight with Devin W. Vandermark, 28, at the residence on Wells Drive off of east Ky. 1223.

Deputies were called to the scene at approximately 5:20 p.m. in response to a complaint that a subject, later identified as Vandermark, was refusing the owner’s request that he leave the premises.

When deputies learned an individual had secured an EPO/DVO against Vandermark, they attempted to serve it.

“The subject (Vandermark) became extremely agitated toward deputies refusing to leave and created a disturbance yelling obscenities,” Arricardo stated adding that deputies advised Vandermark that he was under arrest.

As deputies worked to secure Vandermark, Acciardo stated that he became combative and began fighting with them, at which time Poynter was injured.

“This individual continued to fight and resist and attempted to flee on foot but was taken into custody,” Acciardo stated.

Vandermark was charged with violation of a Kentucky EPO/DVO, two counts of second-degree assault on police officers, third-degree criminal mischief, menacing, second-degree fleeing or evading police, resisting arrest, second-degree disorderly conduct, and public intoxication – controlled substance. He was lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Facility.

Sergeant Poynter was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Hospital in London.