Man reportedly flees Corbin checkpoint, hits police cruiser twice

CORBIN, Ky. (FOX 56) — An Emmalena man is facing charges after he allegedly fled from a state police checkpoint late Sunday.

According to arrest records, 31-year-old Jason Watkins failed to stop at Kentucky State Police’s authorized checkpoint on Kelly Road in Corbin around 10:15 p.m. on Oct. 5 and sped away.

Watkins reportedly turned onto the Corbin Bypass before driving down Youngs Creek Road as his speed slowed to 30 miles per hour. It was then that troopers said they tried to “box him in,” and Watkins hit a police cruiser’s left bumper.

Authorities said Watkins then turned into a driveway as he attempted to get back on Youngs Creek Road, where he hit the same police cruiser’s right fender before speeding away.

The arrest citation noted that Watkins turned onto Kelly Road and attempted to drive into the woods line at the dead-end, where he hit a tree. He allegedly ran from the car but was eventually caught.

Watkins reportedly told police that he hit the police cruiser because his car didn’t have brakes, and he had to use the emergency brake. Additionally, he was said to have fled because he is facing eight years for parole violations and had also been drinking and taken Neurontin.

Court documents show Watkins was charged with the following:

• First-degree fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle)
• Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/substances
• Failure to wear seat belts
• Failure to or improper signal
• No registration receipt
• Improper display or registration plates
• No registration plates
• Failure of owner to maintain required insurance
• Reckless driving
• Speeding 26 mph or greater over speed limit

He was booked into the Knox County Detention Center, and records show he was arraigned at 10:30 a.m. on Monday.