Updated: FBI seeking man in Lexington after exchange of gunfire with law enforcement
The FBI is seeking a fugitive after exchanging gunfire with him in Lexington, the agency announced Thursday afternoon.
FBI agents were in the process of trying to apprehend Antonio “Tony” Cotton on a fugitive warrant in Lexington when the officials exchanged gunfire with Cotton near the intersection of New Circle Road and Eastland Parkway, according to the FBI. Cotton fled the scene.
Cotton was wanted on a charge of interference with commerce by robbery, according to Katie Anderson, an FBI spokesperson.
The FBI confirmed that Cotton was last seen on Gatehouse Place off Liberty Road, which is the same area where police had taped off an abandoned car with shattered windows and apparent bullet holes after the shooting. FBI investigators later showed up to inspect the vehicle.
Officers from multiple agencies were in neighborhoods along Woodhill Drive throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Anderson said Thursday evening that the FBI didn’t have any updates on the progress of the search.
The shooting occurred within range of several businesses. One witness reported that a bullet went through Mi Mexico, a restaurant in that intersection, according to WKYT, the Herald-Leader’s reporting partner.
The FBI is asking anyone with information on Cotton’s whereabouts to contact them immediately at 502-263-6000 or to call local law enforcement. Cotton should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached, according to the FBI.
This story was originally published June 24, 2021 at 2:37 PM.