JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – A La Follette man who attempted to upgrade his boots was arrested. Campbell County Deputy Preston Mullins went to a home on Island Ford Rd last week where the homeowner reported a man wearing a maroon shirt and a black ball cap was walking past his house when he came onto the porch and took a pair of boots, according to a report from the sheriff’s department.

The man then ran toward the railroad tracks on Island Ford Rd. Mullins, along with Sheriff Robbie Goins, attempted to stop the man, but he ran into the wooded area between Island Ford Rd and Hatmaker Ridge Rd. Mullins caught the man identified as John Steven Cotterman as he walked out the wooded area.

Once in custody, Cotterman allegedly told Mullins the boots he was wearing felt too big and he saw the boots on the porch and decided to take them.

Cotterman, 28, 166 Pleasant Drive, LaFollette is charged with theft of property under $999.99 and evading arrest. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/06/2021-6AM)