PADUCAH, Ky. (NewsFirst) — Clifton T. Barner, 33, of Trail Loop Drive, is facing a slew of charges, including trafficking in a controlled substance, after a confrontation with Paducah police officers.
According to a news release from the Paducah Police Department, Barner was arrested on charges of trafficking in a controlled substance (carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives), first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, three counts of third-degree assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, tampering with physical evidence, possession of paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, no registration plates, no registration receipt, failure to produce insurance card and license to be in possession.
The arrest occurred after an officer stopped Barner’s vehicle due to an expired registration. Officer Farthing detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Upon further investigation, officers allegedly discovered a small amount of marijuana and a plastic bag containing about 75-100 suspected ecstasy pills on Barner’s person.
During the arrest, the press release says Barner resisted and attempted to flee. The 6-foot-5, nearly 300-pound suspect struggled with three officers before finally being handcuffed. Barner complained of knee pain after his arrest and was transported to Mercy Health Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. The three officers sustained cuts and scrapes to their hands and forearms during the struggle.
Upon Barner’s release from the hospital emergency room, officers allegedly found in his bed a plastic bag containing 50-75 suspected fentanyl pills. Barner, known for an extensive history of drug trafficking convictions, is currently on supervised release through the Department of Corrections until 2031.
Barner has now bee charged with the above offenses and booked into McCracken County Regional Jail.
