Laurel County, KY - Sheriff John Root is reporting that: The third of 3 suspects as been arrested regarding the assault and fleeing and evading investigation conducted by Deputy Shawn Jackson after he investigated two vehicles parked suspiciously behind a building near business off West Cumberland Gap Pkwy. 10 miles south of London on October 1, 2016 at approximately 3 AM.
During that investigation, Deputy Jackson was assaulted by one of the 3 suspects – Tony Burks who resisted arrest and assaulted Deputy Jackson before fleeing the scene. That suspect was arrested in Whitley County on October 5, 2016 charged with assault and fleeing charges.
The second suspect - Alisha Tapia-Cozar was arrested at the scene on October 1, 2016 after creating a disturbance and trying to flee the scene.
The 3rd suspect who had fled the scene had been identified as James Edwards – he was being sought on burglary charges, parole violation charges and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in addition to fleeing the scene.
On Monday afternoon October 10, 2016 at approximately 4:45 PM, Deputy Jackson who was off-duty observed this 3rd suspect who was still being sought – James Edwards walking down East 4th St. in London. When Edwards observed Deputy Jackson, he fled on foot and following a foot chase by Deputy Jackson was arrested after a short scuffle behind a business off East 4th St. near the railroad tracks. This subject continued to struggle with Deputy Jackson until placed in a police cruiser.
James Edwards age 35 of Sasser School Road, London was charged with fleeing and evading police – second-degree – on foot and resisting arrest. In addition, this subject was charged on warrants related to the earlier incident in southern Laurel County. Those charges included fleeing and evading police – first-degree – on foot; burglary third-degree; theft by unlawful taking – automobile – $500 or more but under $10,000; unauthorized use of a motor vehicle – first offense; a bench warrant for charges of failure to appear in Laurel District Court regarding charges of operating on suspended or revoked operators license and other traffic violations. Also, this subject was charged on a Kentucky parole violation warrant charging absconding parole supervision and failure to report to parole officer as directed regarding a conviction in Laurel Circuit Court on the charge of trafficking in a controlled substance – first-degree – first offense – heroin.
James Edwards was lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center.
Photo attached is courtesy of the Laurel County Detention Center.
