Three men were arrested Sunday, May 3, 2026 following reports of several vehicles being broken into and firearms stolen.
Chief Adam Townsley reports that in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 3, the Barbourville Police Department received a complaint from Knox County E-911 that several vehicles had been broken into. Sgt. Eric Martin and Ptl. Bryce Bays responded and began an investigation, where they located a dropped cell phone belonging to one of the suspects.
A second alleged victim came forward later Sunday and reported his vehicle had been broken into and a firearm was stolen. Ptl. Karl Middleton and Ptl. Chase Henson continued the investigation and was able to locate the suspects allegedly responsible for taking the items, including two stolen firearms. The suspects were located on the campus of Union Commonwealth University.
The three individuals – Austin McGaughey, David Paez and Anthony Carreras – were arrested and lodged in the Knox County Detention Center.
McCaughey was charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking/Disp. Fire Arm, Fleeing or Evading Police 3rd Degree, Unlawful Possession of Weapon on School Property; Paez was charged with Unlawful Possession of Weapon on School Property and Theft by Unlawful Taking/Disp. Fire Arm.; Carreras was charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking/Disp. Fire Arm.
All three men remain held on a $10,000 cash bond each, and is scheduled to appear in Knox District Court on May 12.
An investigation into the crimes continues by Sgt. Martin and Ptl. Middleton.
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