RUSSELL SPRINGS, Ky. (March 16, 2024) – On March 15, 2024, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 received a call of a possible criminal child abuse that had occurred earlier this week in Russell Springs. A KSP Trooper spoke with an individual in Green County in regards to the safety of his children. 

The Trooper learned that on March 12, 2024, a 10-month-old child had been taken to the Russell County Hospital and transported to the University of Kentucky Hospital by helicopter for treatment of serious injuries. The child’s injuries were reported to the hospital, and the Russell Springs Police Department, to have been sustained after being attacked by an unknown stray dog. Russell County first responders had responded to the area and attempted to locate the stray dog but their efforts were unsuccessful.

On March 15, 2024, Troopers responded to a residence on Bluebird Drive in Russell Springs to speak with the child’s mother, Emily McKinney, and her boyfriend, Joe Johnson. As the investigation progressed, Troopers determined the dog that had attacked the child actually belonged to Ms. McKinney and Mr. Johnson and was not a stray. Mr. Johnson had concealed the location of the couple’s dog after the incident causing local first responders to use resources searching for a stray dog that did not exist.

As a result of the investigation, Emily McKinney, age 27 of Russell Springs, was arrested and charged with the following charges:

• Criminal Abuse 1^st Degree – Child 12 or Under
• Endangering the Welfare of a Minor
• False Report Which Generates an Emergency Response

Joe Johnson, age 30 of Russell Springs, was also placed under arrest and charged with the following charges:

• Tampering with Physical Evidence
• False Report Which Generates an Emergency Response

Both individuals were lodged in the Russell County Detention Center. The investigation is being conducted and is ongoing by Trooper First Class Clint Bale.