Gray man facing attempted murder charge

A Gray man is facing one count of attempted murder and Knox County Sheriff’s deputies say his weapon of choice was a Ford Mustang.

Deputies arrested 38-year-old Harris W. Stewart Saturday night following an investigation into a complaint that he had ran over 41-year-old Earnest Collins, Jr. near his Artemus home.

Deputy William Stewart, the department’s public affairs officer, said dispatchers reported that about 7 p.m., that Harris Stewart had run over Collins on Coal Port Road off of Ky. 225 and then drove off at a high rate of speed.

“There had been some type of argument of physical altercation between the two,” said Deputy Stewart adding that Collins and Harris Stewart were acquaintances who had some type of falling out.

“We don’t think it was an on-going thing,” Deputy Stewart said when asked what the two men were arguing about.

Deputy Stewart said that Deputy Claude Hudson, who was on patrol in the Corbin area, told dispatchers that he was familiar with Harris Stewart and knew his vehicle and that he lived on Sam Parker Road.

Deputy Sgt. Carl Frith responded to the scene to take statements while Hudson attempted to apprehend Harris Stewart.

Deputy Stewart said Hudson located Harris Stewart’s Mustang travelling north on U.S. 25E approximately five miles north of Barbourville and initiated a traffic stop.

Harris Stewart was taken into custody without incident on one count of attempted murder.

Hudson also served Harris Stewart with a Knox County bench warrant charging him with failure to appear on five counts of theft by deception – cold checks.

Deputy Stewart said Collins was taken by ambulance to Appalachian Regional Hospital in Barbourville and later flown to the University of Kentucky Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.

“He may be released today (Monday),” Deputy Stewart said.

Harris Stewart pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder charge Monday in Knox District Court. He is scheduled to return to court May 16 for a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is probable cause to present the case to a Knox County grand jury.

Harris Stewart’s bond has been set at $100,000 cash.