Deputies have few clues to go on in Falls Road assault case

Whitley County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating an alleged assault that happened Saturday evening on Cumberland Falls Highway.

About 8:30 p.m. deputies learned that a woman, whose identity hasn’t been publicly released, drove herself to Baptist Health Corbin with injuries she suffered in the attack, according to a sheriff’s department release.

Deputy Mike Lawson responded and was told by an adult female that between Oak Grove Elementary School and Circle K she was assaulted inside her vehicle, the release stated.

The victim told police that a dark-colored truck, which was either black or dark blue, passed her car on Cumberland Falls Highway, and then once in front of her slowed to a complete stop.

A 5’10” man, who was driving the truck, got out and approached the woman’s vehicle.

“After rolling down the window, she said the man struck her,” the release stated.

Whitley County Sheriff Colan Harrell said Monday that the woman had minor injuries to her face.

Police haven’t determined a motive for the assault, Harrell said.

So far police don’t have any suspects and the victim has only been able to provide them with a vehicle description and the man’s height. The victim didn’t report knowing her assailant.

While the sheriff’s department continues to investigate this incident, the department offers these safety tips:

• If forced by another driver to stop, assess the situation and trust your gut feeling as to whether you should immediately call 911.
• If you are approached and choose to engage in conversation, lock your doors and only lower your window enough to communicate
• If stopped, keep your vehicle in gear with your foot on the brake so that you can quickly escape to an area where you feel safe; if you feel threatened, please call 911 immediately with the most details you can remember so that area law enforcement can be on the lookout.

The sheriff’s department is asking local residents to please share these tips with friends and family members.

“These tips are shared out of an abundance of caution; this incident is in the early stages of investigation. More information will be released when appropriate,” the release noted.

Lawson is continuing the investigation. Deputy Brandon Prewitt assisted.