A Navy deserter wanted on a federal warrant was arrested Wednesday morning in Daviess County, a day after authorities say he assaulted his girlfriend and injured a deputy while fleeing law enforcement.
According to a release, the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office responded Tuesday night to a reported assault in the 3500 block of Fields Road near Thruston. Authorities said that a woman told deputies she had been assaulted by her boyfriend, 18-year-old Christian Dakari Liam Crite-Epison, who fled before deputies arrived. The woman was taken to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital for treatment for her injuries.
According to DCSO, deputies recognized the address from a previous request by the U.S. Navy to help locate Crite-Epison, who was wanted for desertion.
A short time later, Owensboro Police Department officers spotted someone matching Crite-Epison’s description walking on KY 54 near Planet Fitness, the release says. Authorities said that when officers approached, Crite-Epison ran into a field, prompting a foot chase that led to a DCSO deputy injuring his leg and being taken to the hospital. The deputy is expected to recover and return to duty in about two weeks.
Despite a search using drones and K9s, Crite-Epison was not located Tuesday night. On Wednesday morning, deputies received a tip that he had returned to the Fields Road residence, the release says. He was found asleep in a bedroom and taken into custody without incident, according to DCSO.
Crite-Epison, whose listed address is in the 33000 block of Destroyer Lane in San Diego, California, was lodged in the Daviess County Detention Center on multiple charges:
- Federal warrant – U.S. Navy desertion/AWOL
- Assault 2nd degree – domestic violence
- Fleeing or evading police, 1st degree (on foot)
- Wanton endangerment, 1st degree – police officer
- Criminal mischief, 2nd degree
