(LONDON, KY.) - On Tuesday, May 05, 2015 at approximately 4:30 AM, Kentucky State Police Post 11, London received an anonymous tip regarding an escapee from Blackburn Correctional Complex.
The tip was regarding Charles Blanton who had walked away from the complex in late April 2015. The tip was that he was operating a 2006 Chevrolet Impala and that he was currently at the Wal-Mart in Corbin.
As troopers arrived they observed Blanton operating the vehicle. Troopers attempted to stop the vehicle but Blanton refused to pull over and a pursuit was initiated. Blanton traveled approximately seven (7) miles before he lost control of his vehicle on Robinson Creek Road and traveled into a ditch area and struck two (2) police cars causing minor damage. After his vehicle came to a stop Blanton began to run from officers on foot before he was taken into custody.
Blanton was arrested and charged with Fleeing or Evading Police 1st Degree, Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree, Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree "Police Officer" Resisting Arrest, Assault 3rd Degree, DUI 2nd, Criminal Mischief 1st Degree and several other traffic charges as well as the Escape 1st Degree warrant.
Trooper Ben Graves is continuing the investigation and was assisted at the scene by Trooper Mike King, Trooper Chris Saunders, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer Rob Mitchell, Laurel County Sheriff's Office and the Corbin Police Department.
