Cosby Man Charged With Felony

A Cosby man created a dangerous situation for Cocke County deputies Tuesday afternoon. Deputies Williams and Norton were assisting a semi that had mistakenly driven down south route 32 and had gotten caught on the windy road near Trail Hollow Road. Deputies had stopped traffic to allow the driver of the semi to back down the highway to Groundhog Road where he could turn around and go back down the mountain safely. During that time 72 year old Lemuel Whitlock tried to drive around Deputy William’s vehicle. He was instructed he would have to use Groundhog Road to make his way to Trail Hollow while the semi was blocking the highway. Whitlock though refused to use Groundhog Road, and drove 30 feet in front of the patrol car obstructing the semi’s route. Whitlock was ordered out of the car, but refused, cussing Deputy Williams and almost running over her while he drove his car up to Trail Hollow Road. After the semi was brought back down Highway 32, deputies went to Whitlock’s residence where he threatened to cut the deputies with a knife he had in his possession. Whitlock was placed into custody and has been charged with felony reckless endangerment.