Alleged car thief tries to swim away from deputies

A high-speed chase involving a stolen SUV that initiated in Tennessee Saturday may have ended in north Corbin after the vehicle became stuck on the railroad tracks, but the driver continued her efforts to elude police by swimming up Lynn Camp Creek.

Laurel County Sheriff’s Deputies Jake Miller, Brad Mink and Taylor McDaniel pulled Abbie R. Kent, 35, of Loudon Tennessee from the creek after a brief struggle.

Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, the department’s public affairs officer said the Tennessee Highway Patrol initiated the pursuit involving a stolen 2014 Toyota Highlander.

As it continued north on Interstate 75, Jellico, Tennessee Police, Williamsburg Police, Kentucky State Police, Whitley County Sheriff’s deputies, and Corbin Police became involved.

When the chase crossed into Laurel County, Laurel County Sheriff’s deputies became involved, pursuing the vehicle as it got off the interstate at Exit 29 and onto U.S. 25E toward Corbin.

After turning onto Boone Ave, Acciardo said the Kent attempted to drive down the railroad tracks.

When the SUV became stuck, Kent exited the vehicle began running.

Deputies chased her and Kent attempted to elude them by jumping into the creek.

Miller, Mink and McDaniel went in after her and after a brief struggle, took her into custody.

“The driver was determined to be under the influence and stated that she had been doing heroin,” Acciardo stated.

Kent was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence, first-degree fleeing or evading police – motor vehicle, receiving stolen property of the value under $10,000, first-degree fleeing or evading police – on foot, three counts of second-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer and third-degree criminal mischief.

“The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be filing additional charges in Tennessee in connection with the stolen vehicle,” Acciardo said.

Kent is being held in the Laurel County Detention Center on a $10,000 cash bond.