From WRIL/content from LCSO -
Laurel Sheriff's Detective Kyle Gray along with Detective Sgt. Chris Edwards, Deputy Tommy Houston, and Sgt. John Inman with assistance from Capt. Kevin Barry, Sgt. Greg Poynter, Deputy Shannon Jones, Deputy Josh Morgan, and K-9 Deputy Jake Miller arrested 46 year old Walter Earl Darling, Whitley on Monday afternoon December 2, 2019 at approximately 4:08 PM.
The arrest occurred in London following an extensive investigation conducted by numerous investigators of the Laurel County Sheriff's office after information was developed and possible suspects identified.
At 10:35 PM on Wednesday night September 4, 2019 deputies were dispatched to St. Joseph Hospital London to contact a female victim there. Upon arrival, investigators learned from the victim that she had allegedly driven her car from a store in London and was traveling out KY 192 when a car came up from behind her at a high rate of speed, riding her bumper and the vehicle activated red and white flashing lights.
The victim pulled off the roadway and allegedly Darling, armed with a large hunting knife, jumped in her back seat forcing her to drive off onto a County Road into a large hay field where he attempted to sexually assault her.
It is also alleged that Darling forced her to drive back onto KY 192 toward London making her stop along the roadway where he got out to make a phone call. The victim sped away driving herself to St. Joseph Hospital London seeking medical attention.
Darling has been positively identified in a photo lineup and admitted to investigators that he committed the crimes that night. The car has not been recovered yet.
Walter Earl Darling is charged with attempted rape – first-degree, attempted sodomy first-degree; unlawful imprisonment - first-degree, and impersonating a peace officer.
Darling had just been arrested days prior on a shoplifting charge with another individual.
Laurel Sheriff's Deputy Joey Robinson arrested two individuals on Thursday night November 28, 2019 at approximately 11:57 PM. The arrests occurred at Walmart near Corbin in southern Laurel County after Walmart's loss prevention team along with Deputy Robinson while conducting surveillance observed two individuals travel into a restroom at Walmart and upon leaving $90 worth of empty merchandise packages were located inside the restroom. Deputy Robinson arrested two individuals and identified them as:
• Walter Earl Darling age 46 of Whitley City, KY charged with theft by unlawful taking – shoplifting under $500.
• Roger Amis age 38 of Corbin charged with theft by unlawful taking – shoplifting under $500; public intoxication – controlled substances.
These two individuals were lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.