Man tased after impersonating police, assaulting officer with tree

Jimmy Johns Jr. may have smacked Corbin Police Officer Jeff Hill in the head with a tree branch as he fled through the woods behind Corbin High School, but Hill had the final say in the matter with his Taser.

Johns, 20, of Corbin was arrested Saturday morning on multiple charges including impersonating a police officer and assaulting an officer.

Hill said the situation began just after midnight when Johns approached a group of teenagers in the parking lot behind the school, telling them he was an undercover Corbin Police Officer and began taking their information.

One of the teenagers called 9-1-1 after which Hill said Johns ran off into the woods.

Hill found Johns hiding in the weeds near the creek bed, but as he approached, Johns ran off again.

During the chase, Hill said Johns pulled back a tree branch and let it go, striking Hill in the head. Though he was cut on the head and had a knot forming, Hill was able to continue the chase.

Hill caught up with Johns but said he ignored repeated requests to stop. As a result, Hill used his Taser to stop Johns before securing him in handcuffs.

In addition to the physical injuries, Hill said he tore his shirt and pants during the chase.

Johns was charged with impersonating a peace officer, second-degree fleeing or evading police, resisting arrest, public intoxication – third offense, third-degree criminal mischief for the damage to Hill’s uniform, third-degree assaulting a police officer and menacing.

At his arraignment Tuesday, Johns pleaded not guilty to the charges. His bond has been set at $7,500 cash.

Judge Cathy Prewitt ordered Johns to return to court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing to determine whether the case should be presented to a Whitley County Grand Jury.