A Bar Creek man spent the day after his 26th birthday in handcuffs after allegedly fleeing from a U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officer on Highway 66, leading to multiple charges that now span both vehicle and on-foot pursuit.
Brandon Lee Smith, 26, of Bar Creek, was arrested on November 25, 2025—just one day after celebrating his birthday—after officers say he fled during a traffic stop and attempted to run up a steep hillside before eventually surrendering. (As one deputy joked off-record, “Some folks blow out birthday candles… some run from police the next day.”)
According to arrest narratives filed by U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer Richard Gore, the incident began when Gore observed a truck traveling on Highway 66 near Bar Creek Road with a LED light bar activated and no rear taillights during nighttime hours. Gore turned around and initiated a traffic stop near James Gibson Road.
Gore made contact with the driver, later identified as Smith, and began checking his information through Kentucky State Police Post 11. Before the check was complete, Smith allegedly drove off, prompting Gore to follow him approximately 200 yards until Smith pulled off to the side of the road.
At that point, Smith reportedly jumped out of the truck and ran up a steep hill. Gore waited for backup before approaching the hillside, where Smith eventually gave himself up and was taken into custody without further incident. Officers later towed Smith’s truck from the scene.
Smith was transported to the Clay County Detention Center, where he was booked on a long list of charges from two separate complaints, including:
Vehicle-Related Charges
Post-Arrest Charges
Officer Gore noted that the encounter—including Smith’s attempted hillside escape—was recorded on body-worn camera.
Smith was released to the Clay County Jailer following transport. His vehicle was removed from the scene by Allen’s Towing.
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