KNOXVILLE - A Knoxville Township resident is in the Jefferson County jail today facing multiple pending charges after allegedly running over his girlfriend while his children were in the vehicle.
James K. Bishop Jr. of 671 county Road 46 is expected to be charged today through the Jefferson County prosecutor's office with two counts of aggravated vehicular assault, three counts of child endangerment, fleeing and eluding, no driver's license and fictitious registration after allegedly dragging his girlfriend and eventually running over her while his children were in the vehicle early this morning, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department.
Deputies got the call shortly after midnight and arrived at the residence to find Jonni Lyn Zook, also of 671 county Road 46, lying on the ground with facial injuries, cuts to her body and tire tracks on her back. According to reports, Zook and Bishop got into an argument shortly before midnight Thursday over his driving with his children in the car while being intoxicated. Bishop reportedly gathered his three children in the vehicle, with Zook hanging onto the vehicle as Bishop left the property.
Zook was dragged for some time before Bishop eventually ran over her and left the scene, according to reports. Police then issued a bulletin, and Bishop's vehicle was seen by a Saline Township patrolman traveling on state Route 7 near state Route 213. Police gave chase, and Bishop allegedly entered Yellow Creek campground after running into the Saline Township officer's vehicle, according to reports. Jefferson County deputies then used a Humvee to track Bishop into a wooded area. According to reports, Bishop resisted and had to be Tasered and forcibly taken from the vehicle into custody. Police reportedly measured his blood alcohol level, but it was below the legal limit.
Zook was flown by medical helicopter to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where she is listed in serious but stable condition, according to the sheriff's department. The children were released to their mother, stated the report.
