Knox County man accused of hitting deputy cruiser

KNOX COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – A Knox County man left the hospital and was immediately taken to jail following a pursuit where shots were fired.

Kentucky State Police say a Knox County Sheriff’s deputy spotted a pickup truck Wednesday night that matched a possible stolen vehicle and had expired registration plates from 2016.

State Police say the deputy tried to stop the driver on South KY 11 but the driver took off, turning onto Little Brush Creek.

During the pursuit, a Barbourville police officer threw out a tire deflation device, causing all four of the vehicle’s tires to lose air, according to police.

Police say the driver kept going and hit head-on with a cruiser being driven by a Knox County Sheriff’s deputy.

The deputy then fired at the pickup and police say that’s when the driver got out and ran.

He was caught after a struggle with deputies.

State Police say 32-year-old Brian Lee, of Barbourville, was taken to the hospital to be checked out was then booked into the Knox County Detention Center.

Two deputies were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Lee is charged with wanton endangerment involving a police officer, menacing, resisting arrest, probation violation, driving on DUI suspended license and other charges.

The passenger inside of the vehicle was not charged.