Wednesday night, December 7, Cpl. Richard Williams observed an ATV traveling south on highway 289 near Zion. The ATV did not have tail lights and Williams initiated a traffic stop on the ATV, but the ATV sped up to  45-55 mph. Jason Dean Cossey, who was later identified as the operator continued from Zion to Sage and then on to highway 58 toward Guion. A passenger on the ATV, later identified Alexis Neal was observed beating Cossey apparently trying to get him to stop the ATV and was finally able to reach the controls causing the ATV to stop. According to Sheriff Tate Lawrence, Cossey dismounted and ran down the road and into the woods from Williams and Deputy Evan Jones who had arrived to assist. Deputy Jones overtook Cossey in the foot pursuit and was placed under arrest. The passenger accused Cossey of assault and not allowing her to leave his residence.  Cossey of Franklin has been charged with assault first degree, false imprisonment, driving while intoxicated, operating an ATV on the highway, refusal to submit to a chemical test, fleeing in a vehicle, and fleeing on foot. Cossey remains in the Izard County Detention Facility in lieu of a $5,000 cash bond and has a court date of January 19.

News Release, For Immediate Release, December 11, 2016, POC: Sheriff Lawrence, 8703684203