JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) -UPDATE:  Jacksboro Police Detective Cody Chapman and other law enforcement agencies are asking for your help this morning as they look for a wanted man.  Cody Ray Whaley, wanted for theft, vandalism and felony escape, was last seen Sunday afternoon wearing camouflage shorts and a white T-shirt.  If you have any information regarding Whaley’s whereabouts, you are encouraged to call JPD at 423.562.8095.Cody Whaley ran from on Sunday afternoon just called it a day at 2:30 am on Monday morning according to 911 Dispatch.  On Sunday afternoon into the evening, officers from multiple agencies and the Knox County Sheriff’s Department were searching for Whaley mainly in the Indian Mound Circle of Jacksboro.

What started as a reported shoplifting call has turned into a man hunt in the Indian Mound Circle of Jacksboro this evening.  Officials tell WLAF that 24-year old Cody Ray Whaley was being detained for shoplifting late Sunday afternoon.  However, he ran away from officers and the hunt began just before 5 pm.

Jacksboro Police is assisted in the search by officers from the Caryville and La Follette Police Departments as well as the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department.  The Knox County Sheriff’s Department is providing air support with its helicopter.  It’s believed that Whaley ran away after he was handcuffed.

According to jail records, Whaley, of South 4th Street in La Follette, has been arrested 10 times.  His most recent run-in with the law came in late July when he was charged and arrested for criminal trespassing and disorderly conduct.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 08/18/2019-8:45PM-UPDATE 2:30AM)