(PADUCAH, Ky.) — A 25-year-old Paducah man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly assaulting a jailer one day after being arrested for reckless driving and disorderly conduct.
Austin Sporea was initially taken into custody on January 14, 2026, following a morning of erratic driving that prompted approximately 13 calls to Paducah E-911 Dispatch around 7:00 a.m.
Reckless Driving Incident
Motorists reported a dark-colored Toyota Camry cutting off multiple vehicles while traveling on Interstate 24 with its hazard lights activated. The same vehicle was also observed performing donuts at the intersection of Hinkleville Road and New Holt Road, creating what authorities described as a serious hazard for other drivers.
Officers used the Flock Safety camera system to track the vehicle to a Rhodes gas station on Park Avenue, where Sporea was arrested. He was charged with reckless driving and disorderly conduct in the second degree after allegedly creating a disturbance when confronted by police.
Jail Assault
The situation escalated the following evening. On January 15, 2026, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Sporea allegedly assaulted two deputy jailers at the McCracken County Jail.
According to jail officials, Sporea forced his way past a deputy who was providing him with bedding and exited his cell. He then allegedly assaulted that deputy. When another deputy attempted to intervene, she was struck in the face by Sporea, sustaining substantial facial trauma.
Additional staff members responded and regained control of Sporea, returning him to his cell.
The injured deputy was transported to a local hospital and later transferred to an out-of-state medical facility for further treatment of her injuries.
Additional Charges
As a result of the jail incident, Sporea now faces four additional charges:
- Assault in the second degree (Class C felony)
- Two counts of assault in the third degree (Class D felonies)
- Escape in the first degree (Class C felony)
The incident has been referred to the McCracken County Sheriff’s Department for investigation. Jail officials stated that the safety of staff and inmates remains a top priority and that the facility will continue to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.
Authorities encourage anyone who witnesses unsafe driving on area roadways to contact Paducah E-911 Dispatch.
