Sheriff looks for two suspects who assaulted, ran away from deputies

LONDON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Laurel Co. Sheriff is searching for two men who ran off from an arrest situation, one of whom assaulted a deputy early Saturday morning.

The Sheriff says the incident happened around 3:00 a.m.  Deputies say they were investigating 2 vehicles parked suspiciously behind a building off West Cumberland Gap Parkway, about ten miles south of London.  Deputies say there were three people in the cars, 35-year-old Tony T. Burks and 31-year old Alisha Tabia-Cozar in one, and 36-year-old James W. Edwards in the other.

According to investigators, Burks was found in possession of a glass pipe, and was told he was under arrest.  As he was being handcuffed, however, Burks hit a deputy, destroying his glasses and injuring him, before taking off on foot.  Deputies say Edwards also ran off, while Tapia-Cozar created a disturbance.  She was not able to get away, say deputies, and was arrested.

Alisha Tapia-Cozar (Photo Courtesy: Laurel Co. Detention Center)

Tapia-Cozar was charged with public intoxication, possession, disorderly conduct and fleeing or evading police.

Deputies are still looking for Burks and Edwards.  Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Burks or Edwards is asked to contact the Laurel Co. Sheriff’s Office.