To: All area news organizations

From: Sheriff Jon Hayden

Date: April 12, 2007

Re: Traffic Accident with injuries

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

McCracken County Sheriff's Deputies responded to an accident with injuries on Thursday afternoon at 5:52PM on Old

Benton Road near Virginia Street.

It was a two-vehicle accident. 48 year old Jerry L. Rupcke driving a 1989 Chevrolet Celebrity was eastbound on Benton

Road and struck another vehicle in the rear that was also travelling eastbound. Prior to rear ending the second vehicle,

the driver (Mr. Rupcke) braked and left 55 feet of skid marks prior to impact. The second vehicle was a 1992 Dodge

Dynasty driven by 28 yoa Steven Neihoff of Paducah.

"Deputies at the scene reported that Jerry L. Rupcke was extremely intoxicated." Rupcke was transported by Mercy

Regional Ambulance Service to Western Baptist Hospital for head and arm injuries.

Deputies were assisted at the scene by Reidland Farley Fire Department.

Jerry Rupcke was charged with:

1) Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Intoxicating Beverages 4th Offense

2) Driving on a DUI Suspended License 2nd Offense

3) No Insurance

4) Failure to Wear Seat Belt