HYDEN, KY - The Leslie County Sheriff’s Office is reporting that: On December 13, 2020, K9 Deputy Travis Davis along with Chief Deputy Jeremy Vega was patrolling the Camp Creek area when they observed a vehicle pulling a disabled ATV with a rider identified as Brandon Morgan, 31 of Wendover.
Deputy Davis activated his emergency equipment and at that time Morgan instructed the driver to flee and the driver sped away trying to elude deputies while pulling the disabled ATV.
The ATV being towed became disconnected from the vehicle and slowed to a stop. Deputy
Davis and Chief Vega exited the vehicle and commanded Morgan to get off the ATV. Morgan was removed from the ATV and placed under arrest.
Investigation of the ATV yielded illegal substances including suspected Methamphetamine.
During the arrest, the vehicle returned with a driver wearing a mask to hide his identity.
Chief Vega and Deputy Davis commanded the driver out of the vehicle.
The driver of the vehicle identified as William Cody Wooton, 27, of Thousandsticks put the vehicle in motion and sped towards deputies. Deputies narrowly escaped being struck by the vehicle.
The vehicle almost struck the patrol unit allowing Chief Vega to regain footing and remove Wooton from the vehicle. The vehicle also contained a juvenile passenger.
While Deputy Davis and Chief Vega worked to stop the vehicle, Morgan attempted to flee in restraints with the suspected illegal substances from the ATV. He was apprehended within a short distance.
During investigation of the vehicle, it was determined to have been stolen from Laurel County along with finding drug paraphernalia and a loaded .45 caliber handgun.
Both Morgan and Wooton were arrested and charged as follows:
William Cody Wooton was charged with:
- Fleeing or evading police, 1st degree (Motor vehicle)
- Wanton Endangerment 1st degree (2 counts)
- Receiving Stolen property U/$10,000
- Possession of a handgun by a Convicted felon
- Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess*
- Reckless driving
- Attempted murder of a Police Officer (2 counts)
Brandon Morgan was charged with:
- Fleeing or evading police, 1st degree (Motor vehicle)
- Resisting Arrest
- Traff in a cont sub, 1st degree, 1st off (<2 gms Methamphetamine)
- Poss of a cont sub, 3rd degree (Drug unspecified)
- Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree (Police Officer) (2 counts)
- Tampering with Physical Evidence
- Escape 3rd degree (Attempt)
- Rape 3rd degree
While Morgan was being medically cleared at the Mary Breckinridge ARH he attempted to bribe Special Deputy Bobby Roberts to release him.
When his attempt failed, he later became combative and had to be restrained by deputies. In assistance Deputy Shane Wilson.
Morgan was further charged with:
- Bribing a witness (Attempt)
- Menacing
- Resisting Arrest
- Disorderly conduct 2nd degree
Both subjects are lodged at the Leslie County Detention Center.
Photos of the accused courtesy of the Leslie County Detention Center.
Both subjects are lodged at the Leslie County Detention Center.
