Current News:
	01/30/2012 Two Suspects Charged With Burglary 1st Degree Ashland Police arrested two (2) suspects for breaking into a house in the 300 block of Harrison Street on Sunday (1/29). Joseph M. Waddle, 21 of Coal Grove and Dennis R. Workman, 33, who also lives in the 300 block of Harrison Street, were arrested and charged with Burglary 1st degree, a class B felony. Weapons were stolen during the burglary and subsequently recovered at Workmans residence. Both were lodged in the Boyd County Detention Center. Press Release prepared by Major Mark McDowell, Field Operations Commander.
	01/30/2012 Death Investigation Ashland Police responded to an unattended death Saturday night in the area underneath the viaduct, near the Ashland Town Center Mall. Upon arrival, officers located Jerry R Moore, 53, unresponsive. Mr. Moore was taken to KDMC where he was pronounced dead. The case is under investigation and anyone with information in this case is asked to contact the Ashland Police Department at 606 327-2020 or call the Ashland Police Silent Witness line at 606 329-1771. Press release prepared by Lieutenant Scott Sexton, Field Operations Watch Commander, C-Team.
	01/26/2012 APD Welcomes Three New Recruits Three (3) new Ashland police officers were sworn in by Ashland Mayor Thomas E. Kelley on Thursday. Lukas Burr of Marion Ohio, Nick Lewis of Flatwoods and Kevin Williams of Grayson successfully completed a rigorous selection process. The three new officers will report to the Department of Criminal Justice Training in Richmond this Sunday to begin an 18 week basic training academy. Once they complete basic training, they will undergo 12 weeks of field training with a career officer before they are assigned to a shift.
	01/19/2012 ARREST IN ASHLAND EXPLOSIVES INCIDENT Chief Robert W. Ratliff, Ashland Police Department, Special Agent in Charge Paul J. Vido, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Commissioner Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police announces the arrest of Thomas Keith Biederman. Biederman was arrested today on a Kentucky state warrant charging him with attempted murder and use of a weapon of mass destruction, a pipe bomb. Biederman was arrested at the ATF office in Ashland by detectives of the Ashland Police Department and ATF special agents. The arrest relates to the explosives incident on July 28, 2011 in Ashland, Kentucky. Biederman was transported to the Boyd County Detention Center in Catlettsburg, Kentucky. In addition to the lead agencies, invaluable assistance was rendered by the Russell, Kentucky Police Department, Ashland Fire and Rescue, Boyd County Emergency Medical Services, United States Attorneys Office and the Boyd County Commonwealths Attorney Office.
	01/17/2012 Facebook Account Scam The Ashland Police Department received a complaint of a Facebook account that was fraudulently opened in an effort to scam persons out of money claiming a Federal Government Money Grant. The scam involves a profile page being developed with a profile picture of the potential victim. Friend requests are sent out and once you accept, they ask if you received your $100,000 from the government, all you have to do is send in $3,000 for taxes and transfer fees. The fraudulent account used is under the name of Sultan Smith Jr. Facebook has been notified of the scam and the Ashland Police Department is warning citizens to never disclose your personal information to persons over social networking web sites, and definitely never send someone money with a promise of receiving a large sum of cash in return. If you discover a fraudulent Facebook page with your name and picture, citizens are advised to contact Facebook help page to initiate a request they delete the account, if you lost money due to this scam, contact your local law enforcement agency. Release prepared by Major Mark McDowell, Field Operations Commander
	01/09/2012 ROBBERY SUSPECTS ARRESTED UPDATED PRESS RELEASE: 01/10/2012  1600 hrs The Ashland Police Department arrested two (2) suspects just before 1:00 PM this afternoon after a brief foot pursuit on 13th Street. Both suspects have been charged in the strong armed robbery that occurred last date in the parking lot of the Ashland Childrens Clinic 700 13th Street. Arrested: Heather Brittany Griffith, 22 of Ashland- she was charged with Robbery 1st Degree, Tampering with Physical Evidence and Fleeing & Evading 2nd Degree. Roger Clayton Owen Kittle, Jr., 29 also of Ashland was charged with Robbery 1st degree. Kittle also had an outstanding arrest warrant from Carter County that was served on him stemming for a separate Robbery complaint dated 01/01/2012 in Carter County. Both suspects lodged in the Boyd County Detention Center. Press Release prepared by Major Mark McDowell, Field Operations Commander. ORIGINAL RELEASE: Ashland Police Department responded to a robbery in the parking lot of the Ashland Children's Clinic, 700 13th Street, at approximately 4:00 pm. A 64 year old lady was placing her handicapped family member's wheelchair on the back of her vehicle when a female ran up and grabbed her purse. The female and victim fell to the ground in a struggle over the purse. A male suspect then pulled on the purse, dragging the victim, and gaining control of the purse. Both the female and male suspect fled the area. Female victim was taken to KDMC for treatment. Attached are pictures of female and male suspects. If you believe you recognize either suspect please contact the Ashland Police Department at 606-327-2020 or call the Ashland Police Silent Witness line at 606-329-1771. Click Robbery Pics to view suspects.
	12/31/2011 Attempted Robbery Ashland Police responded to a robbery early Saturday morning in the parking lot of Castle Apartments. The victim stated that she and a friend were sitting in her vehicle when an unknown black male approached them. As the victim was distracted, the male punched her in the face and grabbed her purse. The victim was able to take back the property but was struck again in the face causing substantial injury. The suspect is described as a black male in his teen's to late twenty's with long hair, possibly dreadlocks, and was wearing a black carhartt jacket. Anyone with any information in this case is asked to contact Officer Hartzler. Press release prepared by Lieutenant Scott Sexton, Field Operations Watch Commander, C-Team.
	12/31/2011 Arrest Made During Burglary In Progress Ashland Police responded to a burglary in progress Friday evening at Ashland Tire and Lube, located at 3132 Winchester Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located an individual still inside the closed business. Joel Sanchez, 46, was arrested and charged with Burglary 3rd degree and was lodged in the Boyd County Detention Center. Press release prepared by Lieutenant Scott Sexton, Field Operations Watch Commander, C-Team.
	12/23/2011 Arrest Made After Home Invasion Ashland Police responded to a home invasion in the 1100 block of Belmont Street Thursday evening. Raeann Griffith reported 2 masked males and 2 females forced their way into her home and stole her purse. The victim identified one of the female suspects, who was subsequently located a short time later on Green Valley Drive in Boyd County. The Ashland Police Department, with the assistance of the Boyd County Sheriffs Department, executed a search warrant and arrest warrant at a residence in the 1400 block of Green Valley Drive. Rebecca L. Lance, 32 was arrested and charged with Robbery 2nd Degree. The case remains under investigation by Officer Matt Howard. Lance was lodged in the Boyd County Detention Center. Press release prepared by Major Mark McDowell, Field Operations Commander.
	12/14/2011 Arrested- Nathaniel "Shorty" Chapman Ashland Police Department Detective Gavin Patrick received information on the location of Nathaniel "Shorty" Chapman. Chapman was reported to be in a residence in Lexington, Ky. Detective Patrick relayed the information to Detectives with the Lexington Division of Police. Lexington Police went to the residence and found Chapman hiding in a closet. Chapman was arrested on the Boyd County Arrest Warrant charging him with Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder. This Release was prepared by Lt. Darren Wilson, Ashland Police Department Criminal Investigations Section Commander.
	12/14/2011 Marathon Gas Station Robbery Last night, 12/13/11, two white males robbed the Marathon gas station at 18th St/Winchester Ave at knife point taking an undetermined amount of money. One male entered the rear employee door while the other entered the front door, both wearing "hoodies" and masks. One male is in custody and charged with first degree robbery and the other is still at large, his identity is known. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Ashland Police Department. This press release was prepared by Sgt. J. Moore, C-Team Field Supervisor. UPDATED INFORMATION 12/17/2011 Officers received information that Justin Huffman, who had an active arrest warrant for Robbery 1st for his involvement in the robbery, was at an address in Ashland. Officers responded to that location and Huffman was located and arrested on the warrant for Robbery 1st and lodged in the Boyd County detention center. This release was prepared by Lt. Scott Sexton, Field Operations Watch Commander, C-Team.
	11/30/2011 Jolly Pirate Robbery At approximately 0400 hours an unidentified male entered Jolly Pirate and demanded the money from the register. The white male is described to be around 5-10, 170 lbs. The suspect was wearing a black mask brandishing a knife and took an undetermined amount of cash. Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to contact Officer Daniels. This release was prepared by Sgt. J. Moore, C-Team Field Supervisor.
	11/11/2011 ARREST-Drug Trafficking Ashland Police Officers initiated a traffic stop on a subject in the 800 Block of 29th St. which resulted in a short vehicle pursuit ending in the arrest of 57 year Old Anthony Ridley of Columbus Ohio for numerous traffic charges as well as trafficking in controlled substance. Ridley was lodged in the Boyd County detention Center. Press release prepared by Lieutenant Mike Crawford, Field Operations Watch Commander, D-Team.
	11/10/2011 ARREST-BURGLARY Officers from the Ashland Police Department responded to a residence in the 1700 block of Nervie St. in reference to suspicious persons in the area. Upon arrival officers found the rear door to a residence broken and evidence in the area which pointed to an attempted burglary. Information provided to officers by witnesses led to a traffic stop of the suspects vehicle seen departing the scene. Ashland Police arrested 28 year old Kenneth Sanchez of Ashland, KY and charged him with Burglary. Sanchez was lodged in the Boyd County Detention Center Press release prepared by Lieutenant Mike Crawford, Field Operations Watch Commander, D-Team.
	10/13/2011 Reward Offered for APD Fugitive Ashland Police are offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of Nathanial Chapman, wanted for attempted murder. Send your tips to Silent Witness at 606-329-1771. Click on the above header for a wanted flyer with the suspect's photo.
	09/17/2011 ARREST-RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY The Ashland Police Department received information from the Charleston WV Police Department concerning an investigation of an internal theft of batteries from Exide Technologies in Charleston. Ashland Police had the lead information that the batteries had been stolen internally and were going to be sold at the local Ashland business The Battery Terminal. An employee at The Battery Terminal cooperated with Ashland Police and confirmed that the batteries were enroute there and would arrive between 0930- 1030 in a Ryder Rental Vehicle. Ashland Police observed the Ryder van that the suspect was to be driving at The Battery Terminal. The van was loaded with approximately 292 batteries. The batteries were valued at $11 per battery. Stolen property recovered value is $3212.00. In possession of the stolen batteries was a female, Jerri M. Trent, 45 of Clendenin, WV. She is the wife of an Exide Technologies employee. Ms. Trent was arrested and taken to the Boyd County Detention Center. Investigation Continues.
	09/11/2011 ARREST WARRANT OBTAINED IN STABBING Ashland Police are investigating a stabbing which occurred in the 1000 block of Belmont Street Saturday morning (9/10/11). Police were called at 0550 hrs and found Jeffrey Rowe, 20 years old, with multiple stab wounds to the neck, arm, chest and back. The suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival. Rowe was transported by Boyd County EMS to KDMC for treatment. A suspect in the assault has been identified and the investigation is ongoing. The case officer is Ofc. Adam Daniels. UPDATED INFORMATION: 09/11/2011 - 2141 hrs Ashland Police have obtained an arrest warrant on Nathaniel Raheim Chapman, 18 yoa black male, 5'07" 135 lbs. AKA "Shorty". He has been charged with Attempted Murder and is currently wanted. Please contact your local law enforcement agency if you see the suspect. He is considered armed and dangerous. Press release prepared by Lieutenant Mark McDowell, Field Operations Watch Commander, C-Team.
	09/07/2011 Two Charged With Drug Offenses Ashland Police cited an Ashland man overnight for cultivating one (1) marijuana plant which was observed growing from a five gallon bucket in his side yard. Dalvis Prince, 42, of Third Circle Prospect, was charged with cultivation of marijuana and was cited to appear in court on September 28th. In a separate offense, Ashland Police arrested Zachary King, 22, of Old 13th Street in Ashland for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, First Degree after officers responded to a noise complaint at the Budget Inn on 13th Street in Ashland. Police seized 64 Oxycodone pills and cash off King, who was lodged in the Boyd County Detention Center. Press Release prepared by Lt. Mark McDowell, Field Operations Watch Commander, Charlie Team
	08/17/2011 Phone Scam The Ashland Police Department has received calls from residents concerning a possible phone scam. The caller is stating they are with American Family Publishing or Publisher Clearing House and they have won several million dollars. They are asking the victim to send money via wire transfer or Western Union to pay for taxes and fees prior to receiving their prize. The caller is providing call back numbers to verify the legitimacy of the company. Upon APD calling the numbers, the persons immediately hang up the phone. They seem to be currently targeting residents in our local area. Sgt. Ryan Conley, Support Services Supervisor
	08/15/2011 Back to School Release-Motorists Use Caution Ashland Public Schools are returning to school August 17. Please click on Title to review the press release.
	07/29/2011 Car Explosion The Ashland Police Department has no comments to make at this time on the incident. We are working with Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (Ashland/Lexington Offices) and the Kentucky State Police Hazardous devices Unit. The investigation is still in the prelimary stages and we will not be commenting through interviews. If any information is able to be shared, all agencies involved will provide it at the appropriate time. Major Todd Kelley, Field Operations Commander.
	07/13/2011 ICAC Investigation Leads to Arrest of West Virginia Man In Ashland On 7/13/2011, at approximately 0745 hours, the Ashland Police Department arrested Otis C. Adkins (59) of 1356 Bowen Creek Road, Branchland, WV 25506 for Unlawful use of electronic means originating or received within the Commonwealth to induce a minor to engage in sexual or other prohibited activities (KRS 510.155). An undercover APD ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) investigation led by Sgt. Ryan Conley for monitoring Craigslist, led to responding to an ad leading to Adkins (Craigslist was very cooperative in assisting on the posting information that led to identifying Adkins). Adkins offered $300 to meet a 15 year old female child (actually an undercover Ashland Police Officer) at Captain Ds parking lot this morning for sex. Adkins traveled approximately one hour to arrive at the location. He was in the vehicle he described and arrived at the time he agreed to by email earlier this morning, to meet for sex with a 15 year old female in trade of $300. He approached the Ashland Police Department undercover officer and talked about arrangements for obtaining a hotel room. He was then arrested by officers assigned to the Ashland Police Department Street Crimes Task Force without further incident. Adkins had more than $1,000 cash on his person. APD is currently working with the WV State Police for investigative assistance in WV, where Adkins lives. Adkins was lodged at the Boyd County Detention Center. This release was submitted by Lt. Darren Wilson, Criminal Investigations Section Commander and Street Crimes Task Force Supervisor.
	06/23/2011 Money Gram Scam Ashland residents have been receiving calls that inform them that have won a cash prize from Publisher Clearing House. In order to claim this prize a cash amount to cover the taxes must be sent via Western Union. Also residents have been receiving calls stating a family member has been in an accident in Mexico and funds must be sent to pay for medical treatment. Caller has correct information on family members most likely obtained from Internet searches. Both of these are scams trying to illegally solicit your money. Never send money to anyone via Western Union or any type of money transfer service unless you know the recipient of the money. Neither publisher Clearing House nor any reputable medical establishment will ask you to send money wire transfers.
	05/04/2011 Assistance in Identifying Burglary Suspect The Ashland Police Department is continuing its investigation into a burglary at Five Guys Restaurant, located on Riverhill Drive below WalMart. The burglary occurred on April 18th just after 11 PM. A lone suspect gained entry into the restaurant by entering through the rear door. Video surveillance shows a white male suspect entering the restaurant before being spooked by the burglary alarm. The suspect is a white male, appears to be in his late 20s, brown hair with a thin beard, 508- 511. If you believe you recognize the suspect, contact the Ashland Police Department at 606-327-2020 or call the Ashland Police Silent Witness line at 606-329-1771. There are 3 PDF attachments of the photographs we received.
	11/15/2010 Accepting Quotes/Bids Total Station Equipment The Ashland Police Department is currently seeking quotes and pricing for laser measuring equipment commonly called a total station. The equipment is used for measuring distances and documenting information at the scenes of traffic crashes and large crime scenes. The equipment should include tripod, main measurement equipment, external computer data collector, measurement device called a prism device if needed andcomputer software to extract data from the collector and place into a 2 or 3 dimensional drawing to be used for display in court presentations or other events related. Final receipt of quotations/bids are to be received by February 28, 2011. For information contact Major Todd Kelley, 606-327-2080.
	12/14/2007 Online Incident Reporting System The Ashland Police Department has started an online incident reporting system via our website www.ashlandkypd.com. This was designed to give our citizens another option in reporting criminal activity, making it easier for those with busy lifestyles. This will help our officers better serve the citizens of Ashland. It is not intended for reporting an incident that requires immediate police assistance. Please dial 911 for an immediate Police response.The on-line incident report will be checked daily and the reporting party will be contacted within 5 days to determine what type of police action should be taken.

Office of the Chief of Police Robert W. Ratliff At Ashland Police Department, we take pride in providing a high quality of service to you regardless of why or how you have made contact with us. While no agency can guarantee that we will always be able to solve every crime or incident that is reported, we are committed to providing a service that responds professionally and appropriately to your particular needs. We want you to feel satisfied that we have provided the highest quality of service and that we value you as our citizens and take all your concerns seriously. BIO At their regularly scheduled meeting on May 3, 2007, the Ashland Board of City Commissioners named Robert W. Ratliff, serving over 25 years with the Department, as Chief of Police. Chief Ratliff was commissioned as an Ashland Police Officer on January 7, 1982. He was promoted to sergeant on August 8, 1989, to lieutenant on January 23, 1994, to captain on May 21, 2000, and to Assistant Chief on December 23, 2002. Chief Ratliff was appointed as the Acting Chief of Police on April 1, 2006, and served in that capacity until his appointment to the Chief's position. During his career, Chief Ratliff has served in all areas of the Department. He has been a team member, supervisor, watch commander, and commander in the Patrol Division, commander of the Administration Section; detective assigned to the Criminal Investigations Section; and commander of the Auxiliary Services Division. He also served 20 years with the Ashland School Safety Patrol program. Chief Ratliff is a lifelong resident of Ashland. He is a 1977 graduate of Paul G. Blazer High School, graduate of the Department of Criminal Justice Training, and the 174th session of the FBI National Academy. Chief Ratliff also earned his college degree through the Ashland Community and Technical College.