West Van Lear man arrested, charged with murder following altercation

THEALKA, Ky. (WSIP) – Kentucky State Police have released the identity of the victim involved in a shooting early Saturday in Johnson County.

According to Kentucky State Police, Richard Roberts, of River, was found dead from a gunshot wound in the driveway of a residence on Main Camp Branch.

The preliminary investigation indicates 27-year old Blake Webb, of West Van Lear, discharged a firearm, striking Roberts after a brief physical altercation. Webb then fled the scene in an unknown direction but was taken into custody nearby a short time later.

Roberts was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Johnson County Coroner’s Office.

Webb was arrested and lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center. Webb is currently charged with Murder, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon.