Lexington Police has charged a man with murder in connection with the death of a man who was assaulted during an attempted car theft on August 1.
The incident happened at about 2:20 p.m. on August 1 at the intersection of Sixth and Headley Avenue in reference to a female victim stating that she and four children had been kidnapped by the suspect, Joel Searcy, 31. Police say Searcy was driving her black SUV and struck another vehicle, while the victim and her children were passengers. Following the collision, police say Searcy stopped the vehicle at Sixth and Headley and fled on foot. At that time the victim and her children were able to escape.
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A short time later, officers responded to a disorder at PDQ Market, located at New Circle and Meadow Lane. At that location, citizens had detained Searcy after he was allegedly observed pushing a senior citizen, identified as Donald Cooke, 82, of Lexington, from a truck and attempting to steal the vehicle.
Officers spoke with Cooke, who said Searcy entered in his truck near Broadway and Loudon and told him to drive. When they reached PDQ, police say Searcy attempted to rob the victim of the vehicle by assaulting him and taking the keys.
Cooke was taken to University of Kentucky hospital for treatment, and then to St. Joseph Hospital Main, where he succumbed to his injuries Saturday.
Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to the call the Lexington Division of Police immediately. Tips can be phoned into: the Division of Police at (859) 258-3600, or the Robbery/Homicide Unit at (859) 258-3700 or Bluegrass Crime Stoppers at (859) 253-2020. You can also submit tips by cell phone. Simply text: “tips2020” plus your message to CRIMES (274637). Finally, information can be submitted by logging onto www.bluegrasscrimestoppers.com.
