Paducah man arrested in connection with house fire and pursuit

An early morning fire in McCracken County leads to a pursuit which ran to LaCenter.

The McCracken County Sheriff's Office was called to a residence on Almyra Avenue in regards to a residential structure fire.

It was learned the fire had been intentionally set by 24 year old Noah Driver of Paducah after choking a female in the home.  The female and other occupants were able to escape except for a dog who died in the fire.

Driver then fled the residence taking a vehicle from another occupant of the home.  During the investigation, it was learned Driver was armed with a loaded firearm, a large sword and a tactical vest.

Driver was later spotted by Paducah police in the area of Park Avenue and 21st Street.  An officer tried to stop the vehicle but Driver fled westbound down Park Avenue onto US 60 West heading toward Ballard County.

When Driver entered LaCenter, he caused a three vehicle injury accident.  Numerous injuries were reported with occupants taken to local and out of state hospitals for treatment.

Driver was also treated at a local hospital and was charged with arson, stragulation, wanton endangerment, assault, theft by unlawful taking of a vehicle and firearm, violations of conditions of release, use of a weapon of mass destruction and torture of a dog/cat causing death.  He was transported to the Marshall County Detention Center.

The investigation into the incident is continuing.