04/15/2026
We want to provide you with an update on last night’s traffic stop that left one of our officers very seriously injured.
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at around 10:43 p.m., Officer Kevin Van Wert conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for moving violations at the Meijer Gas Station on Ruccio Way. As he made contact with the vehicle, the driver accelerated, dragging Officer Van Wert into a light pole and throwing him to the ground.
The driver then fled the scene at a high rate of speed, and after a brief pursuit, officers were able to detain the driver.
Naqeeb Mufallah, age 31, was arrested and charged with Assault 1st (Police Officer), Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree (Police Officer), Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Handgun by Convicted Felon, Fleeing or Evading Police 1st Degree, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident/Failure to Render Aid/Assist with Death or Serious Physical Injury, as well as, unrelated warrants.
He is currently being held at the Fayette County Detention Center.
Officer Kevin Van Wert was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition with very serious injuries.
Officer Van Wert is 29 years old and has been with the Lexington Police Department since August of 2024. He graduated from the Training Academy in March of 2025.
Everyone at the Lexington Police Department is thinking of Officer Van Wert and keeping him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.
In accordance with Lexington Police Department policies, the officers had their issued body-worn cameras (BWC) activated.
The investigation is still ongoing and being conducted by the department’s Collision Reconstruction Unit.
Every day, our officers show up to work and risk their lives to protect and serve our community. And they do it with courage and integrity, not knowing what each shift will bring. We want to thank each of them for showing up to set the standard.
We want to thank our partners at the Lexington Fire Department, the Lexington Division of E-911, the University of Kentucky Police Department, our LFUCG Public Safety Family, and the staff at the University of Kentucky Medical Center for their assistance and everything they have done to help Officer Van Wert.