Pulaski County, Kentucky – An Ohio man, Anthony Emerson, 35, has been arrested in Pulaski County, Kentucky, and charged with murder following the fatal shooting of his friend, Thomas Wayne Dick, 35, during a physical altercation early Sunday morning near Lake Cumberland, a large reservoir spanning multiple counties in Kentucky.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred after Emerson and Dick, who had traveled approximately 200 miles south from their respective homes in Batavia, Ohio, and Aurora, Indiana, to visit a lake house. According to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, Emerson allegedly shot Dick, who died from a gunshot wound to the upper chest.
In a 911 call made by Emerson himself, he admitted to shooting Dick but claimed it was in self-defense. The dispatcher inquired whether Dick had broken into the residence, to which Emerson reportedly responded, “No, he didn’t break in, man. We got into an argument. He came at me. I didn’t have a choice.” Emerson further clarified, saying, “I did. He came in and threatened my life. I didn’t have a choice. Please just come, save him.”
The call was made at a remote location, and authorities took about 20 minutes to arrive due to a mix-up in the address provided by Emerson, which was complicated by the lack of clear signage on the rural gravel road.
Investigation and Background
The two men, described as lifelong friends, reportedly had a disagreement that escalated into violence. Deputy Coroner Keith Price noted that Emerson’s father confirmed the two were friends and suggested the altercation was unexpected. The precise cause of the argument remains unclear, but Emerson admitted to having been drinking alcohol prior to the shooting.
Despite Emerson’s claims of self-defense, no weapons were found on Dick, but Emerson maintained that he felt threatened. By the time law enforcement arrived after 1:30 a.m., Dick was dead from the gunshot wound.
Legal Proceedings
Emerson is currently being held in the Pulaski County Detention Center on a $1 million bond. He faces one count of murder, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing. Local law enforcement has requested the public’s assistance in providing any additional information that could help clarify the circumstances leading up to the tragic shooting.
