UPDATE: Burks subject arrested - Edwards still being sought
Laurel County, KY - Sheriff John Root is reporting that: The Laurel County Sheriff's Office is attempting to locate two suspects – One of which assaulted a deputy and then fled on foot early Saturday morning October 1, 2016 at approximately 3 AM.
Deputy Jackson who was on patrol observed 2 vehicles parked suspiciously behind a building near a business off West Cumberland Gap Pkwy 10 miles south of London, and began conducting an investigation – one vehicle was occupied by Tony T Burks, and a female passenger (Alisha Tapia-Cozar). The second vehicle was occupied by James W. Edwards.
During the investigation, Deputy Jackson observed Burks in possession of a glass pipe, at which point Burks was told he was under arrest. Tony Burks resisted arrest and as he was being handcuffed struck Deputy Jackson in the side of the face destroying his eyeglasses and injuring him. This subject continued to resist arrest by fleeing on foot across other business parking lots as Deputy Jackson pursued on foot and the suspect was not located.
The female subject (Alisha Tapia-Cozar) exited the vehicle and created a disturbance while attempting to flee as the arrest was being attempted.
The male subject (James W. Edwards) in the other vehicle fled from his vehicle while Deputy Jackson attempted arrest on the Burks subject and was not located.
Numerous officers responded to the scene of the attack on Deputy Jackson, but the 2 male subjects were not located, and are currently being sought on outstanding charges.
Alisha Tapia-Cozar age 31 of John R Jones (off Hawk Creek Road in western Laurel County), London was charged with public intoxication; possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of marijuana; disorderly conduct – second degree; and fleeing or evading police – second degree – on foot and was lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center.
The two suspects who are being sought are identified as:
Assisting at the scene was:
Laurel Sheriff's Sgt. Larry Parrott and Deputy Tommy Houston along with numerous officers from Corbin City Police Department and a KSP/KVE Officer.
Investigation is continuing.
If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Tony T. Burks and James W. Edwards, they are asked to contact the Laurel County Sheriff's office at 606-864-6600 or 606-878-7000.
Information will be strictly confidential.
Photo of female subject arrested courtesy of the Laurel County Detention Center.
Photos of the two suspects being sought is also attached.
