LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. —
After reportedly plowing through a Christmas parade route, leading authorities on a high-speed chase and ultimately crashing his SUV down a 50-foot embankment near Dive Bomber Hill, a Smilax man is in fair condition at University of Kentucky Medical Center.
Timmy R. Coots, 38, has been charged with 10 counts of first-degree wanton endangerment — police officer; two counts of DUI, third offense; and two counts of tampering with an interlock device to make it defective.
The device is used to assess blood-alcohol levels, Kentucky State Police Trooper 1st Class Don Trosper said.
Around 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Coots allegedly refused to follow direction after being told he would have to detour around Mount Vernon’s annual Christmas parade, which was in the process of ending.
“The two officers that were attempting to detour him had to move out of the way,” Trosper said.
Coots continued down Main Street, which is otherwise known as U.S. 25, and headed south. Upon crossing into Laurel County, KSP Trooper Jason Vanhook was waiting for him with a Stinger tire deflation device, which he planned to throw in front of Coots’ black Chevy Blazer to stop him. But before he could do so, Coots steered toward Vanhook, forcing him to retreat.
Less than a mile later, slightly south of Dive Bomber Hill in Hazel Patch, KSP Trooper Ryan Loudermilk caught up with Coots, upon which their two vehicles collided. Coots lost control of his SUV and ran down the steep embankment and down a 9-foot rock cliff.
He was airlifted to UK Medical Center, where he remains.
Loudermilk was not injured. His cruiser was slightly damaged.
Authorities suspect Coots was intoxicated at the time of the incident.
Vanhook is leading the investigation and was assisted by Loudermilk, Mount Vernon Police Department, Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County and the London-Laurel County Rescue Squad.
Staff writer Tara Kaprowy can be reached by e-mail at tkaprowy@sentinel-echo.com.
Local News
December 17, 2010
Chase ends when suspect collides with KSP cruiser
After refusing to detour in Mount Vernon, suspect leads police into Laurel County, ends up over 50-foot embankment
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