Probable Cause Found in Case Involving Alleged Impersonation of Police Officer

James Charles Gabbard, 43, of Lawrenceburg, KY appeared before Judge Allen B. Roberts in District Court on Monday, January 05, 2025 for a preliminary hearing in Case #25-F-00144. Deputy Christian Collins arrested Gabbard on Thursday, December 25, 2025

According to Uniform Citation #FE43534, the arrest occurred along Abner Cemetery Road, approximately 9 miles northwest of McKee, KY. Deputy Collins had been dispatched to the area on a report of a male who had stopped in the roadway of Lodge Hall Road, honking his vehicle's horn and attempting to motion vehicles into a driveway. Deputy Collins received this information from City of McKee Police Chief Zachary Bryant who also responded to the area on this complaint.

In a contact made by Chief Bryant with Gabbard, impairment was readily detected, and Gabbard falsely identified himself as a peace officer as he was instructed by Chief Bryant to exit his vehicle. Throughout the contact, made by Chief Bryant, Gabbard rapidly accelerated away in his vehicle and drove at a high rate of speed along Lodge Hall Road.

The pursuit continued throughout state highways and county roads, including US 421, Clemmons Lane, Mullins Hollow Road, and ended on Abner Cemetery Road.

Upon Gabbard finally stopping, Deputy Collins and Chief Bryant repeatedly ordered him out of his vehicle. Gabbard again disobeyed lawful commands to exit his vehicle and again falsely claimed he was a peace officer. Due to Gabbard having failed to follow lawful commands to exit his vehicle, he was extricated by law enforcement from his vehicle while actively resisting.

Units finally apprehended Gabbard, but not without further aggression towards law enforcement. Gabbard threatened Chief Bryant by claiming he would be “sniped” and suggested comments intending harm towards law enforcement.

During the attempt to apprehend Gabbard, damage was caused to units’ duty-issued equipment.

James Gabbard was transported to and lodged in the Jackson County Detention Center on the charges of: Disorderly Conduct 2nd Degree, Reckless Driving, Fleeing or Evading Police 3rd Degree, Resisting Arrest, Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Substances, Impersonating a Peace Officer, and Terroristic Threatening 3rd Degree.

Jackson County EMS evaluated Gabbard at the Jackson County Detention Center. Deputy Collins requested that a blood sample be taken, but there was no paramedic on duty for JCEMS to perform the procedure.

No members of the public were harmed throughout the course of the investigation.

Deputy Collins was assisted at the scene by City of McKee Police Chief Zachary Bryant and Jackson County EMS.

During his earlier arraignment, Gabbard entered a plea of “not guilty” to all charges. The charge of “fleeing or evading Police, 3rd degree” was amended to “fleeing or evading police, 1st degree”. Judge Bailey-Lewis ruled that Gabbard should be considered a “danger to self or others”.

During the preliminary hearing on Monday, the court heard testimony from witness Deputy Sheriff Christian Collins. Judge Allen B. Roberts ruled that probable cause had been established for the alleged felony charges. The case was subsequently referred to the Grand Jury for consideration and potential indictment(s). Gabbard was recognized to appear in Circuit Court on March 03, 2026 to answer any indictment coming forth from the Grand Jury.

Gabbard remains in custody at the Jackson County Detention Center under a $20,000 cash bond while awaiting his next court appearance.

As in all cases at this stage of adjudication, the charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until provided due process and determined to be guilty by the court.