Franklin man charged with fleeing police in stolen Mustang

FRANKLIN, Ky. – A Franklin man is facing charges after an alleged pursuit involving a stolen vehicle.

According to a uniform citation, 28-year-old Hank Cowles of Franklin led law enforcement on a chase through Franklin after failing to yield to a traffic stop.

The citation states the pursuit began around 8:49 a.m. Sunday on North Street.

Police say during the pursuit, both the Franklin Police Department and Simpson County Sheriff’s Office were involved. At one point, authorities say “due to the driving maneuvers of the operator,” two members of law enforcement nearly collided.

Once the vehicle stopped, authorities say they discovered Cowles was “manifestly under the influence of an intoxicating substance.”

Authorities say they also confirmed Cowles had been driving a 2008 Ford Mustang stolen from Stonie’s Towing and Recovery.

Cowles remains at the Simpson County Jail. He is charged with first-degree fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle),, two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or a substance, first offense and theft by unlawful taking or disposition auto between $1,000 and $10,000.