Paducah Man Charged with Rape of Elderly Woman

A Paducah man was arrested Monday for the rape and assault of an elderly woman in her home.

The McCracken County Sheriff's Office says deputies responded Monday to a report of a sexual assault at a home in the area of Oaks Road. When deputies arrived, 38-year-old Gary Pugh was attempting to leave the home, but was stopped by neighbors.

Deputies said the 80-year-old resident told them Pugh arrived at her home saying he wanted to pray for her, and locked the door behind him. He then forced her into the bathroom where he began punching her in the face. The victim said Pugh repeatedly threatened to kill her, slamming her head into the bathtub. Pugh then began to sexually assault the woman, but was interrupted by a neighbor who had come to check on her after seeing a strange vehicle at her home. Pugh fled when the neighbor began to pound on the door.

Neighbors were able to stop Pugh from leaving the area until deputies arrived. The victim was treated at a local hospital for her injuries and was later released.

Pugh, a registered sex-offender with a history of violent charges including rape and assault, was booked into McCracken County Jail on charges of first-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse and second-degree assault.