Sheriff’s deputy tackles fleeing auto theft suspect

A Whitley County Sheriff’s deputy recovered a stolen truck Saturday afternoon near Williamsburg, and apprehended the person who was driving it.

About 4:30 p.m., Deputy Mike Lawson arrested Kristina Blakley, 39, charging her with theft by unlawful taking-auto and second-degree fleeing or evading police. Court records list both a Williamsburg and Corbin address for Blakley.

Lawson received a complaint about a stolen vehicle Saturday that was coming off Highway 204, and spotted the vehicle, which finally stopped near the intersection of Highway 836 and Cindy Lane, according to an arrest citation.

Blakely, who was the driver, ran from the vehicle and Lawson tackled her, according to the arrest citation.

The 2001 Chevy S-10 blue truck was reportedly taken from Sammie Hatfield at a 129 Young Chapel Road residence.

Whitley District Judge Fred White entered a not guilty plea on Blakley’s behalf during her arraignment Monday afternoon.

White appointed the public advocate’s office to represent Blakley, scheduled a July 23 preliminary hearing in her case, and set a $7,500 surety or signature bond.