Corbin man wanted after high-speed chase with deputies

Whitley County Sheriff’s deputies are searching for a Corbin man who led them on a high-speed chase across 5th Street Road, U.S. 25W and High Top Road Sunday afternoon after a woman jumped out of his vehicle near the intersection of 5th Street Road and Black Diamond Road.

Deputy James Fox said an arrest warrant has been issued for 36-year-old John Coffey of Corbin on charges of first-degree fleeing or evading police, first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer, first-degree wanton endangerment and multiple traffic violations.

Fox said the incident began about 2:30 p.m. when, while on routine patrol, he saw the Saturn SUV approach the intersection, and a woman fly out the passenger side door.

“She was just hysterical and screaming,” Fox said, adding that he turned on the SUV and followed it as it continued on 5th Street toward U.S. 25W.

Fox activated his lights and the driver stopped near the old lawnmower shop.

As Fox approached the vehicle, he said the driver took off again at a high rate of speed.

Fox initiated pursuit, making the right onto Falls Hwy. and again at High Top Road.

“He was parting traffic going both ways, right down the middle of the road,” Fox said, noting the chase reached speed in excess of 80 mph.

As the chase continued across High Top Road, Fox said a vehicle backing out of a driveway caused him to lose contact and call off the chase.

However, Fox had obtained the tag number off the SUV and traced it back to Coffey.

Through the course of the investigation, Fox learned that Coffey had an aunt who lived on High Top Road and later found the SUV hidden in the woods nearby.

A K-9 unit was called to the scene to conduct a ground search, but it was unsuccessful. A neighbor reported seeing Coffey on Black Diamond Road near where Coffey’s brother lived. However, deputies have still been unable to locate him.

Fox said the female, whom he identified as Coffey’s estranged wife, told him that the couple was going through a divorce. However, Coffey had asked her to watch his dogs as he needed to go to Ohio to spend time with his ill father.

The victim stated that when Coffey came to the house, he forced his way inside, manhandled her and forced her into the vehicle, threatening her in the process.

“When they got to the end of Barton Mill, she saw my cruiser and jerked the car door open,” Fox said. “He grabbed her, but she had gone to far and fell out.”

“She thought this was her best chance to get away,” he said.

Fox said deputies believe Coffey has gone on to Ohio.

“We are still sorting out the charges,” Fox said when asked if Coffey could face kidnapping or assault charges.

Coffey is described as a white male, 6’2”, 160 pounds with light brown hair.

Anyone with information about his location is asked to contact the Whitley County Sheriff’s office at 549-6006 or Whitley County E911, at 549-6017. Callers may remain anonymous.