Christian County, KY — On May 10, 2025, at approximately 4:00 PM, a Deputy from the Christian County Sheriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling southbound on Madisonville Road near Bypass Road for a window tint violation.
Rickie D. Atwell
The driver, later identified as 47-year-old Rickie Atwell of Hopkinsville, and the front passenger were contacted regarding the excessive window tint, which measured at 4% light transmittance—well below Kentucky’s legal minimum of 35%.
During the encounter, Atwell was unable to produce a valid driver’s license and initially provided false identification information. Consent was granted to search the vehicle and its occupants. As the Deputy attempted to search Atwell, a struggle ensued after suspected methamphetamine was discovered on his person. Atwell fled on foot but was quickly subdued and taken into custody after a brief physical altercation. The passenger, Greenfield, was detained without incident.
Further investigation revealed that Atwell was operating on a suspended license and had four active warrants from Ballard, Christian and Trigg counties for Non-payment of child support, Theft of Identity, Giving False Information to an Officer, Persistent Felony Offender, Failure to Appear and a warrant for parole violation.
Atwell was charged with the following offenses:
- Excessive Windshield/Window Tinting
- License to be in Possession
- Operating on a Suspended or Revoked Operator’s License
- Possession of Controlled Substance 1st Degree (Methamphetamine) – 3rd or Greater Offense
- Fleeing or Evading Police 3rd Degree
- Resisting Arrest
- Persistent Felony Offender I
Atwell was transported to the Christian County Jail.
