More details in police standoff near Eddyville

More details were provided about the police standoff near Eddyville on Tuesday.

According to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, an off-duty deputy spotted a vehicle linked to recent theft investigations parked at the Dollar General on KY 293 about 4:30 p.m. Sheriff Brent White responded and attempted a traffic stop as the truck left the lot.

Authorities said the driver, 46-year-old Thomas J. Prevatte, tried to flee, but White blocked the vehicle. The truck then attempted to push the cruiser out of the way but was unsuccessful. 

Deputies said the driver refused commands and brandished a handgun in front of a female passenger, prompting a standoff that lasted until shortly after 6 p.m. The passenger,  48-year-old Angela F. Egbert, exited the vehicle first. Prevatte later surrendered without further incident.

During the incident, the I-24 eastbound off-ramp at Exit 45 was also closed until about 6:30 p.m. 

Prevatte was charged by the sheriff’s office with fleeing or evading police, wanton endangerment, criminal mischief and terroristic threatening. He also faces theft and trespassing charges tied to incidents on KY 819 and US 62, along with bench warrants from McCracken Circuit Court for failure to appear and probation violation.

The Kentucky State Police added DUI and several traffic violations.

Egbert was charged in connection with the KY 819 and US 62 theft investigations, including criminal trespassing and theft by unlawful taking.

Officials said the truck was reported stolen by the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office. Both were lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center. Additional charges are pending.