Adair County man faces felony assault charges after Saturday morning incident

COLUMBIA, KY – At approximately 7:55 a.m. on May 11, 2024, Kentucky State Police received a call from the Adair County Sheriff’s Office requesting assistance in the investigation of a vehicle collision and shooting on KY 704 in Adair County .

The preliminary investigation revealed that Gregory Jarrod Willis, age 50, of Columbia, and Mark Shawn Hatcher, age 46, of Columbia, were involved in a vehicle collision on KY 704. Immediately after the collision, Willis armed himself with a firearm and fired it, striking Hatcher. A passenger in Hatcher’s vehicle, William “Wes” Feese, 23, of Columbia, was also injured in the vehicle collision. Both Hatcher and Feese were hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. Willis fled the scene before police arrived and a search for him ensued.

As a result of the preliminary investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for Willis for 1st Degree Assault. On May 11, 2024, at approximately 1:56 p.m., deputies located Willis in a wooded area on Paul Frankum Road in Adair County. Willis was arrested without incident by Officer Jake Smith and charged with Assault 1st Degree. Willis was lodged in the Adair County Detention Center.

The case remains under investigation by Detective Mike Dubree. Det. Dubree was assisted by other KSP troopers and the Adair County Sheriff’s Office.