Corbin Police Department

10/18/2026

UPDATE – MURDER INVESTIGATION

On October 18, 2026, at approximately 1:30 AM, the Corbin Police Department was dispatched to a report of shots fired at Speedy Mart, located at the intersection of KY 3041 and US 25 in North Corbin.

Upon arrival and subsequent investigation, officers determined that an argument occurred between Mark Allen and the victim, Dustin Deaton, age 28, of Barbourville, Kentucky. The argument escalated, resulting in Allen allegedly shooting Deaton.

With assistance from the Barbourville City Police Department, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and Kentucky State Police, Mark Allen was located and subsequently arrested by Detective Robbie Hodge.

Mark Allen, 18, of Corbin, was arrested and charged with Murder.

The Corbin Police Department appreciates the assistance and cooperation of the responding agencies that contributed to a swift arrest in this case.

This remains an active investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available and as the investigation allows.

10/18/2026

PRELIMINARY INFORMATION – MURDER INVESTIGATION

The Corbin Police Department is currently investigating a murder that occurred at a business parking lot in North Corbin.

Preliminary information indicates that a male subject suffered a fatal gunshot wound during the early morning hours of October 18, 2026.

The victim has been identified as Dustin Deaton, age 28, of Barbourville, Kentucky.

Detective Robbie Hodge is continuing the investigation. Assisting at the scene were Patrolman First Class Brentley Patrick, Patrolman Jonas Saunders, Corbin Fire Department, Knox County EMS, Kentucky State Police, and the Knox County Coroner’s Office.

The Corbin Police Department offers its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Deaton during this difficult time.

This is an active investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available and as the investigation allows.

No further information is available for release at this time.

10/05/2026

‼️

PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT – ESCAPED INMATE

Law enforcement agencies are actively searching for Charles Blake Randle following his escape from the Whitley County Detention Center on Sunday night, October 4, 2026.

At approximately 10:50 p.m., officers with the Williamsburg Police Department joined the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, Kentucky State Police, and other area law enforcement agencies in responding to the detention center on KY Highway 92 West.

Authorities were advised that multiple detention center staff members had been assaulted during the incident and that Randal had escaped from the facility. He was last known to have fled on foot into a wooded area near the detention center.

A coordinated search of the area is underway utilizing multiple law enforcement resources, including aviation and K-9 assets.

⚠️ Randal’s whereabouts are currently unknown. Members of the public should not approach or attempt to detain him.

Anyone who sees Randal or has information regarding his location should immediately contact Whitley County 911 Dispatch at 606-549-6017. If possible, provide dispatchers with his location and direction of travel.

Residents in the surrounding area are encouraged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

10/04/2026

Joint drug investigation results in large drug seizure

On October 3, 2026, officers with the Corbin Police Department and deputies with the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at a residence in the Corbin area of Whitley County.

Upon executing the search warrant, officers located a large quantity of methamphetamine, ma*****na, THC vapes, THC gummies, drug paraphernalia, US currency, and an American Arms r***e. It was also discovered the homeowner had been cultivating ma*****na in the back yard of the residence.

The individuals arrested were:
•John Gray - charged with trafficking in a controlled substance (> or = 2gms methamphetamine) enhanced with a fi***rm; trafficking ma*****na > 5lbs; drug paraphernalia; cultivating ma*****na < 5 plants; & convicted felon in possession of a fi***rm.
•Mary Tuttle - charged with trafficking in a controlled substance (> or = 2gms methamphetamine) enhanced with a fi***rm; trafficking ma*****na > 5lbs; drug paraphernalia; cultivating ma*****na < 5 plants; & convicted felon in possession of a fi***rm.
•Madison Tuttle - charged with trafficking in a controlled substance (> or = 2gms methamphetamine) enhanced with a fi***rm; trafficking ma*****na > 5lbs; & drug paraphernalia
•Renea Bell - charged with trafficking in a controlled substance (> or = 2gms methamphetamine) enhanced with a fi***rm; trafficking ma*****na > 5lbs; drug paraphernalia; & cultivating ma*****na < 5 plants.

Corporal Chris Brown is leading and continuing the investigation.

Assisting with the investigation were Corbin officers Patrolman First Class Jarrett Carr, Patrolman Austyn Weddle, Patrolman Katie Piar, Whitley County Deputy Stephen Meadors and Whitley County Deputy Frank Foster.

10/03/2026

Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest and Recovery of Stolen Vehicle

On October 2, 2026, Corporal Chris Brown observed the operator of a red Mercedes GLA traveling along S. Stewart Road who was not wearing a seat belt. Corporal Brown recognized the driver as Aaron Thacker and knew Thacker did not possess a valid operator’s license.

Corporal Brown conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. During the investigation, it was determined that the registration plate displayed on the Mercedes belonged to a Nissan Maxima. Further investigation revealed that the Mercedes had been reported stolen out of Lexington, Kentucky.

While investigating the vehicle, officers observed drug paraphernalia in plain view inside the passenger glove compartment. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of additional drug paraphernalia and a white, crystal-like substance consistent in appearance with methamphetamine that was located in a purse belonging to passenger, Molly Farris.

Thacker and Farris were both placed under arrest and transported to the Laurel County Correctional Center.

While at the Laurel County Correctional Center, deputy jailers located a clear bag concealed on Farris’ person that contained a white, crystal-like substance consistent in appearance with methamphetamine.

As a result of the investigation, Aaron Thacker was charged with:
Receiving Stolen Property, $10,000 or More; Drug Paraphernalia; Improper Registration Plate; Improper Display of Registration Plate; Operating on a Suspended License; Failure to Wear Seat Belts; and Failure of Non-Owner to Maintain Insurance.

Molly Farris was charged with:
Receiving Stolen Property, $10,000 or More; Drug Paraphernalia; Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1st Degree — Methamphetamine; Promoting Contraband, 1st Degree

Both individuals were lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.

Patrolman First Class Jarrett Carr and Patrolman Katie Piar assisted with the investigation.

10/02/2026

Escapee Arrested During Drug Related Investigation

On September 25, 2026, Corporal Chris Brown was conducting a theft and drug investigation when he made contact with the occupants of a vehicle parked in a business parking lot in the Corbin area of southern Laurel County.

During the investigation, officers determined that Mark Lawson, of Williamsburg, had violated the terms of his parole and had an active escape warrant issued by the Kentucky Department of Corrections.

Lawson was taken into custody without incident and subsequently lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.

Corporal Brown was assisted at the scene by Patrolman First Class Zachary Johnson and Laurel County Sheriff’s Deputy Justin Taylor.

09/29/2026

The Corbin Police Department extends our deepest condolences to the Kentucky State Police, the family and friends of Trooper Hayden Phillips, and the entire community he served.

On September 28, 2026, Trooper Phillips made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while serving and protecting the people of Kentucky.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, fellow troopers, and all those who knew and loved him during this incredibly difficult time.

We honor Trooper Phillips for his service, dedication, and sacrifice. His courage and commitment to duty will never be forgotten.

Kentucky State Police - Trooper Hayden Phillips U/ 369

End of Watch
September 28, 2026

09/18/2026

Corbin Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in identifying the male pictured in the security video below.

He is being sought in reference to an investigation involving the alleged use of a stolen credit/debit card.

If you recognize this individual or have any information regarding his identity, please contact Corbin Police Department.

Patrolman Austyn Weddle is continuing the investigation.

📞 Call: 606-528-1122
📱 Text Tip Line: 606-215-6239

Information can be kept anonymous.

09/12/2026

Murder Arrest Warrant Served in Corbin

Corbin, Kentucky — September 11, 2026

On September 11, 2026, officers with the Corbin Police Department assisted the United States Marshals Service in serving an arrest warrant in the Knox County area of Corbin.

The accused, Hailey Gilbert, was located and taken into custody without incident. Gilbert was served with a Bell County Complaint warrant charging her with Complicity to Commit Murder and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

Following her arrest, Gilbert was lodged in the Knox County Detention Center.

The Corbin Police Department remains committed to protecting the citizens of our community and will continue working closely with our local, state, and federal law-enforcement partners to locate and apprehend wanted individuals.

Assisting at the scene were Corporal Brown, Patrolman First Class Carr, and Patrolman Weddle.

08/31/2026

What do you want Corbin to be known for in 2050?

The City of Corbin is developing a new Comprehensive Plan, and your input will help guide decisions about growth, housing, jobs, infrastructure, and quality of life for years to come.

Take our short survey and help lead the way forward.
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