Three Russellville Police Officers were pelted with mortar fireworks Saturday evening during a traffic stop on East Fourth and Morgan Streets. Police Chief Barry Dill said the night could have ended very badly for both officers as well as those who launched the fireworks and urges people not to ever aim fireworks at anyone.

“According to state statutes, officers can use deadly force if they feel their life is being threatened or if they feel they are in danger of becoming seriously injured,” said Dill, who noted there have been officers badly hurt in this same situation in other states.

At approximate 10:58 p.m. the Russellville Police Department conducted a traffic stop for suspicion of DUI on a vehicle driven by Paul McCarley, 37, of Olmstead. During the stop, McCarley was investigated and subsequently arrested for DUI.

Joshua Duncan, 24, of Russellville, was a passenger in the vehicle and was also arrested and charged with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 1st Degree (cocaine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

Officers found $2,200 in cash and $2,100 in suspected “crack” cocaine, which was seized from Duncan.

It was during the arrest that officers experienced large explosive bursts all around them. It was as if they had stepped into a war zone. Smoke from the explosions filled the air as numerous onlookers gathered. Officers called for backup but no suspects were ever located.

“I cannot stress enough how dangerous this action was,” said Dill. “I believe those who did this probably think it is funny but they don’t realize that they could have been shot.”

According to Dill, the perpetrators, if caught could face assault charges. Dill said if it had gone bad and an officer had been killed the perpetrators would be facing murder charges.

“These are not the type of fireworks that can be legally purchased in Kentucky but you can go across the state lines into Tennessee and get them.

“These are dangerous fireworks if you point them at someone,” said Dill.

Both McCarley and Duncan were lodged in the Logan County Detention Center. As far as the police know, the two incidents were completely separate.