On 10/13/19 at approximately 8:35 pm State Police Trooper Wertz was dispatched to a menacing complaint which occurred on Hwy 20 east of Eddyville. The complainant reported he was following a silver Subaru when the passenger of the car brandished a 9mm pistol and pointed it at him. After following the car for several miles on Harlan Burnt Woods Rd the complainant reported the driver of the Subaru stopped, got out of his vehicle and advanced toward him while yelling and blocking his way. After driving around the blocking driver the complainant stated the Subaru followed him until he reached his driveway.
The Subaru was located at an address on Harlan Rd several hours later. Two males where located at this address who matched the descriptions given by the complainant. During interviews the passenger, identified as 22-year old Joseph W. Mickenham of Eddyville reportedly admitted to brandishing a firearm with the intent to intimidate the other driver. The driver, identified as 24-year old Matthew D. Ficek of Eddyville reportedly admitted to menacing the other driver after he knew his passenger had brandished a firearm. The firearm, a fully loaded 9mm Ruger handgun, was located in the passenger's trailer and seized as evidence. Ficek was lodged in Lincoln County Jail on the charge of Menacing and Mickenham was lodged on charges of Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Menacing.