Robbery leads to high-speed chase through LBL

Hopkinsville man caught after fleeing Judy’s Fishing Depot

By Misti Strader
Tribune-Courier News Editor
mstrader@tribunecourier.com

BRIENSBURG – Friday, locals were expecting to get a snowstorm, but owners of Judy’s Fishing Depot never expected they’d get robbed.

It was shortly after 1 p.m. when a young man walked into the quaint little store located off of U.S. Highway 68.

Owners George and Judy Hicks were working that day.

“He came in and bought a pack of cigarettes, and then he left,” said Hicks’ daughter, Joy. Owners recalled the man coming back in the store some 20 minutes later to purchase another pack of cigarettes.

“He placed his money on the counter and as my mom opened the cash register drawer, he pushed her back with the palm of his hand and grabbed the drawer, running out the side door.”

Alerted by the commotion, George Hicks gave chase to the robber, but by the time he made it outside, the suspect had locked himself in his vehicle and subsequently drove off.
However, store owners did manage to get his license plate number and called 911.

According to police reports, the call came in at 1:56 p.m. Dispatch gave a vehicle description and direction of travel to law enforcement.

Marshall County Sheriff’s Deputies and Benton Police Officers moved into the area looking for the perpetrator.

A short time later, Officer Jeff Daniel of the Benton Police Department located the vehicle on U.S. Highway 68 at Ky. 408.

After waiting for several Sheriff’s Office units to get into position, Daniel activated his blue lights and siren.

The subject in the vehicle accelerated and a pursuit ensued on 68 east through the Jonathan Creek and Aurora area, through Land Between the Lakes and into the Canton area.

As the pursuit continued, other agencies became involved including U.S. Forestry. Kentucky State Park Rangers attempted to stop the vehicle as it passed through Kenlake State Park.

The pursuit terminated on U.S. 68 west of Cadiz with the crash of the suspect and Sergeant Brett Edwards of the Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect, Christopher O. Cotton, 21, of Hopkinsville, was arrested and charged with second-degree robbery, reckless driving, first-degree fleeing or evading police, 10 counts of first-degree wanton endangerment (police officer), no insurance and possession of marijuana.

U.S. Forestry also charged Cotton with various federal violations.

Cotton admitted to robbing the store during an interview with investigators later that day. The cash register drawer and the cash were recovered from the suspect’s vehicle.

Owners of Judy’s say they were thrilled to have the more than $700 in stolen money returned to them later that evening.

“The officers literally responded within seconds,” Hicks said. “We just can’t say enough about how thankful we are or what a great job they did.”

The case is being investigated by Detective Sergeant Matt Hilbrecht and Deputy Nathan Maxlow.

Agencies present and assisting include the Benton Police Department, Kentucky State Police, U.S. Forestry, Cadiz Police Department, Trigg County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky Park Rangers, Trigg County EMS as well as Fire/Rescue units from Trigg County.

The investigation is continuing. Cotton was lodged in the Marshall County Detention Center.