Evarts Kentucky Man Jailed After Fight With Off-Duty Officer

From WRIL The Big One -

Tommy Saylor - HCDC

On Friday, October 3, 2025, shortly after 8:00pm, Harlan Police responded to a report of an altercation at Walmart.   According to the citation from Harlan Officer Alford, an off-duty Cumberland Police Officer, Owen Noe was at the store and approached by 59-year-old Tommy Saylor of Evarts.

Officer Noe, having previous professional dealings with Saylor, states that he began berating him in front of his family making "aggressive and threatening remarks."  Noe added that Saylor went on to say that he would cut Noe and his behavior placed him and his family in danger.  Saylor then jerked his hands from his pockets in an aggressive manner toward Noe who defended himself which led to a physical altercation.

Video surveillance confirmed that Saylor was the aggressor in the incident.  During the struggle, Saylor dropped a knife, which was later found under a shelf near the scene.

The knife matched a description Saylor gave as one he had in his pocket.

An eyewitness told Officer Alford and Chief Winston Yeary that Saylor was overheard talking about the previous interaction with Noe which caused him to serve time in jail.  The eyewitness also reported hearing Saylor threaten Noe.

Tommy Saylor was arrested and lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center charged with assault - 2nd degree - police officer (attempt), menacing, disorderly conduct - 2nd degree, terroristic threatening - 3rd degree, and intimidating a participant in the legal process.

Also assisting on scene was Harlan Officer Travis Freeman.