Date: 06-14-09

Re: Vehicle Fire Leads To Unusual Find

From: Detective Jesse Riddle

On 06-12-2009 at approximately 9:56 am McCracken County Sheriff's Deputies received a call of a vehicle on fire near the intersection of Hardmoney and Wadesboro Roads in McCracken County. Deputy Jason Walters responded to the scene along with the Hendron/Freemont Fire Department. Upon his arrival, Deputy Walters located a blue in color 1998 Chevy Blazer parked in the roadway still on fire. The vehicle fire was put out shortly there after. Deputy Walters interviewed several individuals who were present and learned that driver of the vehicle had fled just prior to his arrival. The individuals told Walters that a white man in his early thirties was driving the vehicle when it caught fire. The Driver of the vehicle ran to several near by residences, asking for assistance in putting out the fire. Several employees of ABC Fencing located on Hardmoney Road filled buckets with water and attempted to put out the fire. The driver of the vehicle did not assist the men who were putting out the fire. Individuals at the scene stated that the driver of the vehicle ran to two motorcycles as they pulled up near the scene. The driver then jumped on the back of one of them and fled the area. One of the individuals at the scene informed Deputy Walters that there were two propane tanks in the rear of the blazer wrapped in plastic. Deputy Walters contacted detectives with the department's drug division suspecting that the tanks contained anhydrous ammonia. Detectives responded to the scene and collected evidence from the vehicle. Inside the vehicle detectives located two tanks that had been retro fitted with valves that made it easier for the owner of the tanks to place anhydrous inside. Both tanks contained anhydrous. It was clear to Sheriff's Detective that the individual driving the vehicle was involved with the Manufacturing of Methamphetamine.

The investigation led Sheriff's Detectives from McCracken to Marshall and Graves Counties to two different residences. Detectives with Marshall, McCracken, and Graves Counties conducted a search of 6594 Symsonia Highway in Marshall County where they located 38 yr old Randy G. McDaniel. A search of the residence revealed quantities of methamphetamine, scales, pseudoephedrine pills and US currency that was believed to be proceeds from illegal narcotics sells. McDaniel was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Drug Paraphernalia.

Detectives later conducted a search of 308 Crittenton Lane in Mayfield the Donnie Ray Dixon residence where detectives recovered some illegal items. Dixon was not home at the time of the search. Detectives are currently needing to speak with Donnie Ray Dixon 32, of Mayfield Ky. Dixon is currently a person of interest in the investigation.

It is class "D" felony to possess anhydrous ammonia in an unapproved container and could carry a penalty of 1-5 yrs in prison

Individuals with information concerning the whereabouts of Dixon are asked to contact the Sheriff's Dept at 270-444-4719

Thanks,

Detective Jesse Riddle

McCracken County Sheriff Department Drug Division