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STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
A late-night disturbance at a Glasgow restaurant around 9:30 p.m. ended in an arrest after what could be described as a chaotic and at times unusual encounter.
Officers with the Glasgow Police Department were dispatched March 21 to Papa John’s on Happy Valley Road after reports were received of a man allegedly assaulting employees with a hammer.
When officers arrived, the suspect – identified as 23-year-old Aaron Kelly of Russell Springs – was already being restrained by employees.
According to the citation, Kelly had entered through the rear of the restaurant while staff were cleaning and began attempting to assault workers. Several employees sustained visible injuries during the altercation, though none were described as serious.
Workers used what was available, including a broom, to defend themselves and were able to hold Kelly on the ground until officers arrived.
As the situation unfolded, an unnamed woman nearby flagged down police and reported that Kelly had taken a hammer from her vehicle. She told officers he approached her car, searched for cigarettes, and repeatedly asked if she had a gun before taking the tool.
The citation notes Kelly showed signs consistent with substance use, including profuse sweating, rapid eye movement and dilated pupils. He was transported to T.J. Samson Community Hospital for medical clearance before being lodged in the Barren County Detention Center.
Even after being taken into custody, the situation remained unsettled. According to the citation, Kelly pulled out one of his own teeth while at the hospital and later attempted to remove another.
Kelly is charged with first-degree assault, public intoxication involving a controlled substance (excluding alcohol), and third-degree criminal mischief. He has a $35,000 bond, according to the Barren County Detention Center.
GPD Officer Jonathan Pendley was listed as the arresting officer.
Key Facts:
• Glasgow Papa John’s employees restrained a man allegedly armed with a hammer on March 21
• Police identified the suspect as 23-year-old Aaron Kelly of Russell Springs
• Several workers suffered visible but not serious injuries, according to police
• Staff used items on hand, including a broom, to defend themselves and hold the suspect
• Police say the suspect showed signs consistent with substance use
• Kelly was taken to T.J. Samson Community Hospital, then lodged in the Barren County Detention Center
• He is charged with first-degree assault, public intoxication involving a controlled substance, and third-degree criminal mischief
Gage Wilson with Glasgow News 1 contributed to this reporting.
Glasgow Papa John’s employees restrain hammer-wielding suspect
Mar 24, 2026 | 1:02 PMSTAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
A late-night disturbance at a Glasgow restaurant around 9:30 p.m. ended in an arrest after what could be described as a chaotic and at times unusual encounter.
Officers with the Glasgow Police Department were dispatched March 21 to Papa John’s on Happy Valley Road after reports were received of a man allegedly assaulting employees with a hammer.
When officers arrived, the suspect – identified as 23-year-old Aaron Kelly of Russell Springs – was already being restrained by employees.
According to the citation, Kelly had entered through the rear of the restaurant while staff were cleaning and began attempting to assault workers. Several employees sustained visible injuries during the altercation, though none were described as serious.
Workers used what was available, including a broom, to defend themselves and were able to hold Kelly on the ground until officers arrived.
As the situation unfolded, an unnamed woman nearby flagged down police and reported that Kelly had taken a hammer from her vehicle. She told officers he approached her car, searched for cigarettes, and repeatedly asked if she had a gun before taking the tool.
The citation notes Kelly showed signs consistent with substance use, including profuse sweating, rapid eye movement and dilated pupils. He was transported to T.J. Samson Community Hospital for medical clearance before being lodged in the Barren County Detention Center.
Even after being taken into custody, the situation remained unsettled. According to the citation, Kelly pulled out one of his own teeth while at the hospital and later attempted to remove another.
Kelly is charged with first-degree assault, public intoxication involving a controlled substance (excluding alcohol), and third-degree criminal mischief. He has a $35,000 bond, according to the Barren County Detention Center.
GPD Officer Jonathan Pendley was listed as the arresting officer.
Key Facts:
• Glasgow Papa John’s employees restrained a man allegedly armed with a hammer on March 21
• Police identified the suspect as 23-year-old Aaron Kelly of Russell Springs
• Several workers suffered visible but not serious injuries, according to police
• Staff used items on hand, including a broom, to defend themselves and hold the suspect
• Police say the suspect showed signs consistent with substance use
• Kelly was taken to T.J. Samson Community Hospital, then lodged in the Barren County Detention Center
• He is charged with first-degree assault, public intoxication involving a controlled substance, and third-degree criminal mischief
Gage Wilson with Glasgow News 1 contributed to this reporting.
