Reidland man arrested after altercation with police, neighbors

A Reidland man is facing drug and other charges after an altercation with police on Monday.

According to the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, deputies went to Heath Street at 5:30 p.m. after multiple reports of a man who seemed to be under the influence, trying to break into vehicles and homes.

When the first deputy arrived, he said he saw the 33-year-old Jeremy Balkey walking around in his underwear. Balkey reportedly asked the officer to shoot him and then walked away.

The deputy tried to detain Balkey, but he began to fight. Two bystanders came over to help the officer.

During the altercation, Balkey reportedly fought to gain control of the deputy’s electronic control device and attempted to take his gun.

Other officers arrived and helped to detain Balkey, but he allegedly bit one of the deputies.

According to the sheriff’s office, three deputies and both bystanders were injured during the altercation.

In a search of Balkey’s home on Heath Street, detectives found: 

141 THC electronic cigarettes
51 bars of Psilocybin chocolate edibles
19 containers of marijuana wax
6 packages of THC gummies
15.75 ounces of Psilocybin mushrooms
More than 3 pounds of marijuana

Balkey's charges included assault, resisting arrest, disarming a peace officer, disorderly conduct, and drug trafficking.