Vehicle enforcement apprehends suspect accused of assaulting Laurel deputy

A routine traffic stop for speeding Wednesday afternoon on southbound I-75 ended with the arrest of a London man who was wanted for assaulting a Laurel County Sheriff’s deputy and the seizure of drugs, drug paraphernalia and four counterfeit $50 bills.

Thirty-five-year-old Tony T. Burks was arrested about noon near the 18-mile marker in Whitley County.

According to Kentucky State Police Division of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer Steve Douglas, public affairs officer for Region 4, CVE Officer Tyler Teaney initiated the traffic stop.

When Teaney checked Burks’ license for outstanding warrants, he learned that Burks was wanted in Laurel County for allegedly assaulting Deputy Shawn Jackson outside a north Corbin business early Saturday morning.

According to officials at the sheriff’s office, Jackson had investigated two vehicles parked behind a building near a business on West Cumberland Gap Pkwy. about 3 a.m.

The driver of one of the vehicles was Burks.

“During the investigation, Deputy Jackson observed Burks in possession of a glass pipe, at which point Burks was told he was under arrest,” stated Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, the department’s public affairs officer, adding that as Jackson attempted to place Burks in handcuffs, Burks began fighting, striking Jackson in the side of the face.

Burks was able to elude Jackson and other officers who came to his aid.

The driver of the other vehicle, identified as 36-year-old James W. Edwards of London, was able to escape in the confusion and remains on the run, Acciardo said.

Further investigation of Burks Volkswagen Wednesday led to the recovery of methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, plastic baggies, scales and the four counterfeit bills.

“Most of that was found on his person,” Douglas said of the drugs and money, noting Teaney found it when he patted Burks down for weapons after asking him to step out of the car.

Burks was charged with speeding – 15 mph over the limit, operating on a suspended or revoked operator’s license, first-degree possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance – methamphetamine – second or greater offense, first-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument and no driver’s license.

In addition, Burks was served with the warrant out of Laurel County charging him with third-degree assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, first-degree fleeing or evading police, possession of drug paraphernalia and second-degree criminal mischief.

Burks is being held in the Whitley County Detention Center.

Whitley District Judge Cathy Prewitt entered a not guilty plea for Burks on his Whitley County charges during his arraignment Thursday afternoon.

Prewitt appointed the public advocate’s office to represent Burks, scheduled an Oct. 11 preliminary hearing in his Whitley County case, and set a $50,000 cash bond in his Whitley County case.