LONDON, KY (March 17, 2022) - Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel Sheriff's Drug Interdiction Unit Justin Taylor along with Drug Interdiction Unit Landry Collett arrested Justin Reese Hunter age 33 of Kennesaw, Georgia early Thursday morning March 17, 2022 at approximately 5:05 AM.
The arrest occurred on I–75 near London following a traffic stop conducted on a white Toyota Corolla which was driving erratically.
During the traffic stop on I–75 southbound Sheriff's investigators became suspicious of possible drug activity.
While conducting an investigation on the driver outside the vehicle, the driver was noted as exhibiting extreme nervous behavior.
The driver jumped back in the vehicle into the driver's seat while Sheriff's investigators attempted to remove him, however the suspect drove off at a high rate of speed southbound on I–75 in London exiting at the 38 mile marker London exit traveling west on KY 192 onto Boggs Road and Country Club Estates where the suspect was met by London City Police Officer Williams and Sgt. Truett.
The suspect struck London City Police Sgt. Truett's cruiser head-on causing damage, and the suspect vehicle fled back onto I–75 southbound at the mile marker 38 London exit.
Upon entering I–75 southbound Laurel Sheriff's shift Sgt. John Inman, Deputy Tommy Houston, Deputy James Sizemore, and London City Police Officers together conducted a successful rolling roadblock and were able to stop the suspect safely taking him into custody.
Sheriff's investigators found suspected Crack Cocaine, digital scales, and a.380 caliber pistol in the vehicle and determined that the driver was a convicted felon.
Justin Hunter was charged with:
- Reckless driving
- Disorderly conduct – second-degree
- Resisting arrest
- Fleeing or evading police – first-degree – motor vehicle
- Tampering with physical evidence
- Speeding more than 15 mph over the limit
- Trafficking in a controlled substance – first-degree – first offense – Cocaine
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon
- Two counts of wanton endangerment – first-degree – police officer is victim
- Criminal mischief – first-degree
This individual was lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Photo of accused attached is courtesy of the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Laurel County Sheriff John Root stated that drug arrests will continue in Laurel County.
Laurel County Sheriff John Root additionally stated his appreciation for the spirit of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in the Laurel County area. We all are working together to help make Laurel County a safer place for our citizens.
