Winchester, Kentucky, December 30, 2025
A man from Irvine, Kentucky, named Kaylieb Thompson, was arrested for third-degree terroristic threatening after making threats against law enforcement and a drug suspect. The incident occurred at the Red Roof Inn in Winchester, following the death of his fiancée, Reacheal Dawson, linked to an accused drug dealer, Brian Epperson, facing federal charges for distributing methamphetamine. This case highlights ongoing issues of violence associated with drug-related activities in the area.
Winchester, Kentucky – Man Arrested for Threatening Police and Drug Suspect
A 35-year-old man from Irvine, Kentucky, was arrested on December 26, 2025, on charges of third-degree terroristic threatening after allegedly making threats against law enforcement officers and a drug suspect. The arrest followed an incident at the Red Roof Inn on Interstate Drive in Winchester. The man, identified as Kaylieb Thompson, is the fiancé of Reacheal Dawson, who died in June 2025 in a case involving accused drug dealer Brian Epperson. Epperson faces federal charges for distributing methamphetamine that led to overdose deaths.
Details of the Incident
According to authorities, Thompson made threatening phone calls and social media posts directed at both law enforcement officers and Epperson. These communications prompted an investigation, leading to his arrest. Thompson was charged with third-degree terroristic threatening and is currently being held at the Clark County Detention Center.
Background on the Case
In June 2025, Reacheal Dawson died in an incident linked to Brian Epperson, who is accused of distributing methamphetamine that resulted in multiple overdose deaths. Epperson faces federal charges related to these deaths. The recent arrest of Thompson underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing threats and violence associated with drug-related activities in the region.
Related Incidents in Kentucky
This arrest is part of a series of recent violent incidents in Kentucky. In Scottsville, a man was charged with murder after allegedly shooting his girlfriend. In Georgetown, a 19-year-old man was arrested for attempting to strangle a woman at a cemetery, claiming a personality change during the incident. Additionally, a federal judge dismissed major felony charges against two former Louisville officers accused of falsifying a warrant that led to the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor.
What charges was Kaylieb Thompson arrested on?
Kaylieb Thompson was arrested on charges of third-degree terroristic threatening after allegedly making threats against law enforcement officers and a drug suspect.
Who is Brian Epperson, and what are the charges against him?
Brian Epperson is an accused drug dealer facing federal charges for distributing methamphetamine that led to multiple overdose deaths.
What is the current status of the charges against the former Louisville officers in the Breonna Taylor case?
A federal judge dismissed major felony charges against two former Louisville officers accused of falsifying a warrant that led to the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Red Roof Inn, Winchester, Kentucky |
| Suspect | Kaylieb Thompson, 35, from Irvine, Kentucky |
| Victim | Reacheal Dawson, fiancé of Thompson, deceased since June 2025 |
| Charges | Third-degree terroristic threatening |
| Related Case | Brian Epperson, accused drug dealer facing federal charges for distributing methamphetamine leading to overdose deaths |
Now Happening on X
- @FOX56News (December 29, 2025, 10:13 PM) The Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention activated its Emergency Winter Weather Plan, providing emergency shelters, free Lextran rides, and outreach efforts to support those in need during cold weather in Lexington. View on X
- @lexkypolice (December 26, 2025, 8:04 AM) Officers responded to a shooting in the 200 block of South Limestone, where a female victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries; an investigation is ongoing. View on X
- @LEX18News (December 26, 2025, 6:16 AM) A large police presence was reported in the 200 block of South Limestone following a confirmed shooting early Friday morning, with one person seen in handcuffs. View on X
- @FOX56News (December 26, 2025, 11:00 AM) Officers are investigating an incident where a car was damaged on Christmas morning by a person wielding a shovel in Lexington. View on X
- @LEX18News (December 24, 2025, 8:45 PM) Authorities responded to reports of shots fired in the 1800 block of Versailles Road around 6:40 p.m., with police investigating the incident in Lexington. View on X
- @FOX56News (December 27, 2025, 3:00 AM) A suspect was taken into custody following a shots-fired call near Centre Parkway in Lexington. View on X
- @LEX18News (December 24, 2025, 4:30 PM) Police are searching for a man who stole an undetermined amount of money from an ATM while it was being serviced at a Lexington store. View on X
- @FOX56News (December 23, 2025, 2:55 PM) Lexington Fire Department continues to battle flames at an apartment complex that caught fire Tuesday morning, displacing residents from multiple units. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington Man Granted New Trial in 2020 Murder Case
Lexington Woman Pleads Not Guilty to Marijuana Trafficking Charges
Fayetteville Sheriff’s Office Requests Assistance to Find Seven Most Wanted
Bank Robbery in Lexington Under Investigation
Shooting Incident Raises Concerns Over Hate Crimes in Lexington
Shooting on Magoffin Street Investigated as Possible Hate Crime
Inmates Charged with Promoting Contraband at Jessamine County Detention Center
Two Inmates Charged for Smuggling Drugs into Jessamine County Detention Center
Two Inmates Charged with Drug Smuggling in Kentucky Jail
Two Inmates Charged for Smuggling Drugs into Kentucky Jail
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
