Traffic Checkpoint Nets Gun, Drug Arrest

A traffic checkpoint in Ballard County Saturday night led to the arrest of a man on gun and drug charges.

The Ballard County Sheriff's Office says deputies and Kentucky State Police troopers were conducting a traffic safety checkpoint shortly before 11 p.m. in Kevil, when a vehicle driven by 21-year-old Jarrod Chittenden approached. Deputies learned Chittenden had a suspended driver’s license, and when they attempted to arrest him he reportedly reached for a loaded gun in his back pocket. Deputies were able to quickly grab him, and keep him from being able to do anything with the handgun. 

A search of the vehicle revealed several loaded magazines, and several packages of marijuana gummies.

Deputies said Chittenden told them he had used marijuana shortly before the stop.

Chittenden is charged with driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, failure of non-owner operator to maintain insurance, DUI first offense, first degree wanton endangerment, firearm enhanced possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.