A manhunt has ended tonight in Madison County with the apprehension of Russell M. Masters (AKA Mark Masters) age 52 of Richmond. Mr. Masters was being sought by local law enforcement for Attempted Murder, Fleeing and Evading Police, and Wanton Endangerment. The charges stem from the shooting incident on McWhorter Court around 3:30 yesterday in Richmond.
Authorities resumed the search this morning after a major effort to capture the subject last night ended without the suspect being apprehended.
The situation began Monday afternoon around 3:30pm, when Richmond Police were dispatched to a reported shooting in the Bellevue/Turpin Drive area of Richmond. Police are still investigating, but initial evidence indicates the actual shooting may have taken place near Bellevue Drive and McWhorter Court and the victim then made their way to Turpin Drive. The shooting victim was reportedly shot in the leg and transported to an area hospital and is expected to recover.
After the alleged shooting, the suspect fled the scene by vehicle. Around 6:00pm Monday evening, authorities determined the suspect to be in the Muddy Creek/Crooksville Road area of Madison County. Apparently, the suspect left the main road in their vehicle, attempting to hide in the rural farm area of Madison County. The suspect abandoned his vehicle on a farm on Crooksville Road last night and continued to flee from authorities on foot. That vehicle was impounded.
Units from Richmond Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Department, and Kentucky State Police converged on the area for the manhunt Monday night for hours. Patrol units reportedly were warning residents along the Muddy Creek and Crooksville area from Kingston to Brassfield to remain in their homes as the suspect was considered armed and dangerous. Reports of additional gunfire were also reported in the that area while the pursuit of the suspect ensued.
Helicopters from both the Lexington Police Department and Kentucky State Police were used to light up the search area for hours during the initial search of the suspect.
Tonight, the suspect was located in a residence reportedly on Crooksville Road near the search area from last night near Rhodella Lane. A long standoff began this afternoon around 3 pm, when law enforcement surrounded the home and began negotiations with the suspect for his surrender. When the suspect would not comply and leave the home, numerous rounds of gas were deployed in an attempt to extricate Masters.
Officials eventually made their way into the home a little after 8 tonight and were able to arrest Masters. WBON-TV9 will have more officially later on the story and expect more details of the arrest and how Master’s came to gain access to the residence.
Richmond Police Department thanked all agencies that were also very instrumental in aiding with the capture.
Madison County 911 (Telecommunicators)
Madison County Sheriff’s Office
Kentucky State Police & KSP Air Unit
Lexington Metro Police Department Air Unit
Bluegrass Army Depot Police
Madison County Fire Department
Madison County Ambulance Service
