Kentucky fugitive may be hiding in Springs

A fugitive from Kentucky may be hiding in his hometown of Colorado Springs, according to police.

John Calvin Buckley IV, 29, was on trial in Lexington, Kentucky for sexual assault. According to our ABC affiliate, WTVQ, his charges include rape, sodomy, assault, and unlawful imprisonment.

Authorities said Buckley was awaiting a verdict in that trial when he cut off his ankle bracelet used to track his location, stole a vehicle and disappeared last Thursday. Buckley was free on bond at the time.

Police consider Buckley extremely dangerous, possibly armed and has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder. He also is a decorated former Army Ranger who is highly trained in weapons and combat tactics.

Buckley’s father, John Buckley III, has owned an estate planning law firm in Colorado Springs since 1994. He spoke exclusively with KRDO NewsChannel 13 about his son.

“The monster that’s been presented is not the only side of my son — if that’s what my son did,” the elder Buckley said. “My son’s not a monster. He’s a loving dad. He has three daughters.”

Buckley said he doesn’t believe his son is in town, or would come here, but made an emotional plea to his son in case he is here.

“Come home,” said the elder Buckley. “Call me. We’ll arrange your surrender. Homicide by cop or suicide by cop? Those are the questions that are going through my head right now. I pray that here in Colorado — if my son is in Colorado — that our police department has a higher level of professionalism than I’ve seen in my home town of Lexington, Kentucky.”

Colorado Springs Police said they have two members of their highly specialized Tactical Enforcement Unit looking for Buckley, and patrol officers also are on alert. If you have any information regarding his whereabouts, call police at 444-7000.