KSP Investigating Meade Co. Kidnapping

Vine Grove, KY – On Thursday, March 01, 2018 at 9:40 EDST, Kentucky State Police Post 4 received a call from Meade County Dispatch reporting a stabbing that occurred at 46 Four Chaplins Lane, Vine Grove, KY (Meade County). KSP units were requested to respond and investigate. Upon arrival, a 17 year old female was located with a stab wound to the palm of her hand. Upon being interviewed, the 17 year old reported she and her 16 year old sister were both kidnapped at knife point by an ex boyfriend, 18 year old John Gaskins (Radcliff), in the driveway of their residence on Fentress Boulevard in Hardin County as they were walking to their car. Gaskins cut both the 16 and 17 year old females with a knife and forced them to get into the trunk of the 17 year olds vehicle, a 2004 Honda Civic. Gaskin then took the victim’s vehicle and drove to a cabin in Meade County where he forced the female juveniles to go inside. Once inside, Gaskin used a rope to bind each victim’s hands behind their back and tied each to a chair. In an attempt to save her sister, the 16 year old agreed to leave with Gaskin and drive to Pennsylvania. Gaskin agreed and left the residence in the Honda Civic, taking the 16 year old with him. The 17 year old was left alone inside the residence, still bound to the chair. The 17 year old managed to get free and ran to a neighbor’s residence where she called 911 to report the incident. Gaskin’s phone number was obtained and a cell phone ping was requested. Gaskin’s phone was located heading North on I-71 in KSP Post 5’s district. At almost the same time, a vehicle collision was reported near the 64 mile marker exit on I-71 involving the victim’s vehicle. Gallatin County and KSP units were sent to the location of the collision were Gaskin and the 16 year old female were located. Gaskin was detained by uniformed officers on scene and transported back to KSP Post 4 where he was later interviewed. The victim was transported to KSP Post 5 where she was met by her parents. Both victims suffered minor injuries and recived treatment. John Gaskin was charged and lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center with (2) two counts of Kidnapping, (2) two counts of Assault 2nd Degree, (1) one count of TBUT Auto, (2) two counts of Unlawful Imprisonment 2nd Degree, and (1) one count of Burglary 2nd Degree. The case is currently under investigation by KSP Post 4 Detective Scotty Sharp.