McCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky. — A McCracken County man was arrested Tuesday night as part of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking and a series of thefts involving vehicles and other property, according to authorities.
The McCracken County Sheriff’s Office said detectives have spent the past month investigating multiple thefts of ATVs, UTVs, motor vehicles, and other items reported stolen across the county. Investigators identified 55-year-old John H. Hale of Husbands Road as a suspect in several of the cases.
Detectives also determined Hale was involved in the sale of methamphetamine and conducted multiple controlled drug purchases during the investigation. On Dec. 30, 2025, authorities executed a search warrant at Hale’s residence on Husbands Road. Hale was arrested during a nearby traffic stop while the warrant was being served.
During the search, investigators reportedly recovered methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and evidence connected to the theft investigations. A second search warrant was also executed at a residence on Vasseur Avenue, where authorities believe stolen property had been stored.
Investigators are actively searching for William Bridges, who resides at the Vasseur Avenue address and is wanted on an outstanding parole violation warrant. Bridges is described as a white male, 40 years old, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing about 210 pounds.
Hale was booked into the McCracken County Regional Jail and charged with three counts of trafficking in methamphetamine, second or subsequent offense, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Additional charges related to the theft cases are expected, and authorities say more arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues.
