On July 12, 2024 at approximately 7:18 A.M., the McCracken County Sheriffs’ Office responded to a residence on Almyra Avenue regarding a residential structure fire.
Upon arrival, it was learned the fire had been intentionally set by one of the occupants, using a homemade incendiary device, after he choked a female in the home. The female was able to escape from him and all occupants of the home were able to exit without injury, but a dog did perish in the fire.
The suspect, identified as Noah Driver (24), fled the residence in a 2018 Toyota Camry he stole from another occupant of the home and was actively being sought by law enforcement. During the investigation and search for Driver, it was also learned that he was armed with a loaded firearm, a large sword, and wearing a tactical vest. Driver, of Paducah, KY, also allegedly made threats that he would not go to jail.
At 9:25 A.M. an officer with the Paducah Police Department spotted the vehicle in the area of Park Avenue and 21st Street. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, which was confirmed to be operated by Noah Driver. The vehicle fled westbound down Park Avenue and onto US Highway 60 West, ultimately traveling through McCracken County and into Ballard County.
While entering the La Center community in Ballard County, Noah Driver caused a three-vehicle injury collision. Numerous occupants of the vehicles were taken to local and out of state hospitals for treatment of non-incapacitating injuries.
Noah Driver was also taken to a local hospital for treatment and later lodged at the Marshall County Jail on the below listed charges:
Arson – 1st Degree
Strangulation – 1st Degree
Wanton Endangerment – 1st Degree
Assault – 4th Degree
Theft by Unlawful Taking – Firearm
Theft by Unlawful Taking – Motor Vehicle
Violation of Conditions of Release
Use of Weapon of Mass Destruction – 3rd Degree
Torture of Dog/Cat Causing Death
The Kentucky State Police, Paducah Police Department, Ballard County Sheriff’s Office, Concord Fire Department, McCracken County Emergency Management, Carlisle County Sheriff’s Office, and our agency are working collectively on this investigation.