NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Incident: I26-1134
Date: 1/31/2026
Time: 07:26 AM

KENTUCKY MAN ARRESTED AFTER REPORTED ARMED BARRICADE WAS LIVE STREAMED
A Kentucky man is scheduled for arraignment today in Wrentham District Court as a fugitive from justice and for charges filed by the Medway Police Department after the man became combative and assaulted officers who were trying to bring him to the hospital for mental health purposes on Saturday, January 31.

The department received multiple calls reporting that a man, later identified as Earnest Shell, age 46, of 95 Baja Road, Cornettsville, Kentucky, was armed with a knife and barricaded in a bathroom at 10 Winthrop Street, Medway, at about 7:26 am. The callers reported that the man was livestreaming on his YouTube page and that people were concerned for his and others' safety.

Dispatch located the YouTube livestream and identified the man as Shell, who was wanted on an arrest warrant issued in Kentucky. Thousands of people were watching the livestream and engaging via comments. Officers were able to make contact with Mr. Shell, who immediately put his knife down, and through deescalation were able to take him into custody.

Officers initiated a mental health evaluation due to Mr. Shell’s condition and behavior, and information shared by persons who interact with him regularly. Mr. Shell became combative in the department booking room and was forcibly transported. One officer was injured. Mr. Shell was not injured. Mr. Shell was eventually evaluated and transported to Bridgewater State Hospital.

He will be arraigned in Wrentham District Court today on Fugitive from Justice charges and charges for assault and battery on multiple police officers.
Prepared by: Release Date:

Chief of Police William H. Kingsbury February 2, 2026