BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

TOMAHAWK — Kentucky State Police responded to a reported stabbing at approximately 1:47 p.m. Sunday in Tomahawk.

The incident allegedly occurred at a residence on Ford Place, but the victim left the scene and went to Milo Subdivision. Upon arriving at Milo Subdivision, officers discovered Jason Jude, 40, who alleged that Tracy Vanover, 52, stabbed him in the arm.

Jude recounted a sequence of events, telling police he was outside working on a shop vacuum, using a kitchen knife to replace the plug. The argument ignited when Vanover accused him of infidelity. She then grabbed the knife, and Jude, in a bid to defend himself, grappled with her before jumping into a side-by-side vehicle to flee. It was during this escape that Vanover allegedly stabbed him.

As Jude tried to drive away, Vanover clung to the side of the vehicle, getting dragged in the process, he said.

Blood stains were evident on the side-by-side, according to the responding trooper.

The officer found Vanover back at Ford Place. She painted a different picture, saying the argument erupted over Jude’s suspected cheating and missing money from her vehicle. She said she grabbed Jude’s wallet to retrieve her money, leading to a struggle where Jude allegedly choked her, causing her to fall to the ground.

Vanover stated that as Jude attempted to leave with their dog, she tried to rescue the pet from the side-by-side, only to be grabbed and dragged by Jude. She denied having a knife or stabbing him.

The police report noted the absence of a knife and any blood at the scene where the side-by-side was parked, but he observed the shop vacuum with the plug cut off.

Jude refused emergency medical services.

Vanover was arrested and charged with second-degree assault-domestic violence.