Affidavit provides deputy’s account of chaotic Warrick County town hall

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Warrick County deputies who detained two people during a chaotic town hall meeting with Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith on Wednesday have provided their accounts of what took place prior to the arrests.

According to affidavits, Sergeant Thomas Rohl and deputy with the Warrick County Sheriff’s Office were working security for the Lt. Governor during the town hall meeting. Rohl wrote in the arresting documents that members of the crowd became increasingly agitated with Beckwith, and began shouting and screaming at him. Authorities say they spoke with Matthew Eike and Amanda Bennett about their outbursts, and that Bennett had been asked to leave after she had been asked to stop interrupting individuals speaking with Beckwith.

After she was asked to leave, authorities say Bennett began to cause a disturbance as she exited, and security moved along the outside of the chairs to ensure that she left without any other issues. The sheriff’s office reports that as Bennett reached the foyer of the Ohio Township Community Building, she turned toward the deputy, who then “escorted her to the ground”. A crowd reportedly began to approach Bennett, and additional units were requested.

Authorities say surveillance footage from the building showed Bennett pushing the deputy prior to her being taken to the ground.

At this time, Eike reportedly began aggressively speaking to another male and pushing him. The affidavit says law enforcement attempted to place Eike in custody, but he pulled away and actively resisted.

Deputies say another woman at the scene struck the deputy after she attempted to interfere with Bennett’s arrest. Rohl writes that he also requested that the other female be charged with battery on law enforcement.

Bennett was charged with battery against a public safety official and resisting law enforcement. Eike was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting law enforcement. Both have reportedly been released from the Warrick County Jail.