Man accused of running from deputies, then asking for help when he got lost in the woods

A man in Kentucky is accused of running from police then asking for help when he got lost in the woods. (Source: WYMT)
Published: Jul. 22, 2025 at 3:50 PM CDT|Updated: 4 hours ago
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LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT/Gray News) – A man in Kentucky is accused of running from law enforcement officers before asking for help when he got lost in the woods.

The incident happened on Saturday at around 11 p.m. in Laurel County.

Deputies responded to reports of a fight at an apartment complex near Kentucky 638.

Michael Root Jr. was taken into custody and charged with wanton endangerment and fleeing or...
Michael Root Jr. was taken into custody and charged with wanton endangerment and fleeing or evading police.(Laurel County Sheriff's Office)

While deputies were on their way to the scene, the suspect fled in a car.

Deputies tried to pull the car over, but the man allegedly slammed on his brakes, causing a deputy to crash into him.

The man then got out of the car and ran into the woods, officials said.

Once deputies learned the man’s name, Michael Root Jr., they called his cell phone.

He answered and reportedly told deputies that he wanted to turn himself in but that he was lost in the woods.

The London-Laurel County Rescue Squad had to use a drone to find him.

Root was taken into custody and charged with wanton endangerment and fleeing or evading police.