Published: September 05, 2008 03:19 am      

Burnside mayor appears in court

District judge — a former Burnside city attorney — recuses himself

A local public official arrested in August after leading police on a pursuit that ended in Russell County made his first court appearance Thursday.

Burnside Mayor Charles “Chuck” Fourman, 41, of Burnside was in Pulaski District Court Thursday on the charges of first-degree fleeing or evading police and two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment.

Fourman was arrested on August 25 when he reportedly fled the scene of a traffic stop after he told a Somerset Police Officer that he was going to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital to get treatment for a cut on his arm.

A pursuit began when Fourman drove past the hospital and turned left onto Cumberland Parkway. Fourman was stopped about four miles past the Russell County line by stop sticks.

An investigation by the Pulaski County Major Crimes Task Force revealed that blood was discovered at Burnside City Hall soon after Fourman’s arrest, but no foul play was suspected and the task force emphasized that no one else was thought to be involved.

Drugs or alcohol are not suspected to be a factor in the incident.

Pulaski District Judge Scott Lawless recused himself from the case during Thursday’s proceedings. Lawless served as the Burnside City Attorney while Fourman was on the Burnside City Council.

A special prosecutor, Ryan Davis, an assistant county attorney from Lincoln county, was assigned to the case as well.

Fourman’s attorney, Ryan Morrow, said he is unsure whether Fourman will enter a plea deal in connection with the incident.

Another court date is set for October 13. District Judge Katie Wood will preside over the case.