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Police: Laurel Co. Man Breaks Into Vehicles, Resists Arrests, Lights Fire In Squad Car

Posted at 6:45 AM, Apr 07, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-07 06:45:02-04

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — A Mount Vernon man is facing multiple charges after police say he fought with officers and lit a fire in the back seat of squad care after he was caught breaking into vehicles and homes while intoxicated on a synthetic drug.

Richard W. Biggs, 37, was arrested about 2:30 a.m. off Cane Creek Road south of London.

The Laurel County Sheriff Department says a deputy responded to a complaint that someone was breaking into vehicles and walking up on porches.

Authorities say Biggs was found near a open vehicle. They say he then caused a disturbance and resisted being taken into arrest.

Officials say area citizens helped subdue Biggs after he elbowed the deputy twice.

More police, including from London Police Department and Kentucky State Police, arrived to help. Biggs was placed into a squad car, he attempted to light the back seat on fire, police say.

Officials say Biggs told police he had taken a synthetic drug known as "flakka," which police say is dangerous and causes aggressive and erratic behavior.

Biggs was charged with three counts of third-degree criminal mischief; one count of second-degree criminal mischief; resisting arrest; third-degree assault of a police officer; public intoxication, controlled substances; and third-degree arson.

Biggs was being held in the Laurel County Detention Center.