Alleged U.S. Navy deserter charged with assault in Daviess County

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) — A California man was charged with assault in Daviess County after deputies say he had an active warrant for desertion from the United States Navy.

According to the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to an assault call on Tuesday at a home in the 3500 block of Fields Road near Thurston.

Deputies say the victim was allegedly assaulted by her boyfriend, 18-year-old Christian Crite-Epison. They say he fled the home before deputies arrived.

DCSO says deputies were familiar with the address after they were requested from the U.S. Navy to check for Crite-Epison for his active warrant.

The Owensboro Police Department says they spotted Crite-Epison later in the night, who allegedly fled on foot, after they found him walking on Highway 54. Authorities say one of the deputies involved in the foot chase was injured and was taken to a nearby hospital.

Following a lengthy search of the area, deputies say Crite-Epison was not located.

On Wednesday, deputies say they received information that Crite-Epison was back at the home on Fields Road where they found him asleep in a bedroom.

Crite-Epison was booked in the Daviess County Detention Center on the following charges, including the U.S. Navy’s charge:

• Federal Arrest Warrant – U.S. Navy Desertion/AWOL
• Assault
• Fleeing/Evading Police
• Wanton Endangerment
• Criminal Mischief

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