Judge sentences Cole to 15 years in prison

A Rogersville man who attempted to run over his arresting officer has been sentenced to serve 15 years in prison.

Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said Bobby Ray Cole, 43, 801 Lauderdale 586, Rogersville was sentenced Monday by Circuit Court Judge Terry Dempsey who denied Cole of a probation request after looking at Cole’s history of violating previous probations.

Courthouse security cameras caught him on July 21, 2009, trying to run over and injure an officer who had arrested him in the past.

Officials said Cole was in district court facing resisting arrest charges from a past arrest the same day the incident occurred.

Officials with the Franklin County District Attorney’s office said witnesses claimed Cole left the courthouse furious.

Security camera video evidence showed Cole walking out and stopping behind his arresting officer’s patrol unit where he presumably wrote down the license plate number.

Officials said a short time later the arresting officer came out of the courthouse, got into his patrol car and began to drive east down Limestone Street.

Authorities said Cole came racing out of the parking lot, driving a white Cavalier heading east on Limestone Street and attempted to purposely strike and wreck the officer.

Cole was later pulled over on Jackson Avenue, arrested and charged with resisting arrest and driving under the influence.

“We thought Cole’s sentencing was appropriate considering all of his prior violations and charges against him,” Rushing said. “He has served eight months in jail and that will be included in with the 15 year sentence.”

Officials said because of Cole’s two prior felonies Cole actually received the minimum sentence for his crimes.