LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A London man was arrested Thursday evening following a reported domestic violence incident in Laurel County, according to Sheriff John Root. The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office says Deputy Daniel Reed arrested 52-year-old Ernest C. Hammons of London at appr oximately 5:38 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Deputies were dispatched by the London–Laurel County 911 Communications Center to a residence off Maplesville School Road, about eight miles east of London, for a domestic violence complaint. Authorities say deputies learned that Hammons allegedly assaulted a female victim and fled the scene before their arrival. A short time later, dispatch received another report indicating Hammons had returned to the residence and was attempting to break into the room where the victim was hiding. When deputies arrived, they located Hammons in the basement of the residence and took him into custody without incident. He was charged with fourth-degree assault and menacing. Hammons was lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center. Assisting at the scene were Sgt. Allen Turner, Deputy Ethan Brown, and Deputy Justin Lewis. The case remains under investigation. Categories: Featured, Local News Tags: domestic violence, Ernest Hammons, Laurel County, Laurel County Sheriff, London ...read more read less