May 31, 2008

Injury Accidents in the County.

Accident #1.

At 12:36 AM Deputies responded to a two vehicle accident at the 16 mile marker of Interstate 24. A 1990 Ford Aerostar van driven by 70 year old Phyllis Crisp of Kuttawa was East bound on I-24 when a vehicle struck her from the rear. This caused the van to spin and slide into the median that separates the East and West bound lanes of Interstate 24. Neither her nor her husband, 69 year old Raymond Crisp also of Kuttawa were injured. The driver of the 2001 Toyota Corolla that struck the van, 21 year old Nathan Wurtis was treated at Lourdes Hospital for apparent minor injuries to his head and neck. Mr. Wurtis stated that as he approached the Crisp's vehicle he attempted to deactivate his cruise control and that it would not release. He stated that he swerved to miss the van, but was not able to avoid a collision. Mr. Wurtis' vehicle was also forced into the median as a result of the accident.

The Sheriff's Department received assistance at the scene from the Reidland / Farley Fire Department and Mercy Regional EMS. Firefighters and EMTs from both agencies tended to the injuries received during the accident. Mercy Regional continued caring for Mr. Wurtis and transported him to Lourdes Hospital in Paducah.

Accident #2.

At 01:43 a second accident occurred , this time in the Western part of McCracken County. A 2001 Chevrolet Camaro driven by 20 year old Blake Harrison of Melber, Ky. ran off the left side of the roadway and struck a ditch. It continued through the ditch where it struck an earth embankment. The passenger car crossed Fisher Rd. and collided into another embankment before coming to rest approximately 70 feet in an empty field. The passenger, 21 year old Nicole Morris of Hickory, Ky. was taken to Western Baptist Hospital for apparent minor injuries to her back. Mr. Harrison was not injured in the accident.

Prior to the accident the Camaro was witnessed traveling at excessive speeds by Deputy Cory Golightly. Deputy Golightly had responded to the intersection of Old Hinkleville Rd. and Metropolis Lake Rd. for a complaint of individuals possibly drag racing. As Deputy Golightly approached the area, he noticed a motorcycle and the Camaro leaving the area at high rate of speed. By the time Deputy Golightly had turned his patrol car around he noticed that the two were several hundred yards ahead of him. It was obvious that the two were not slowing down, but appeared to be accelerating. At no time was Deputy Golightly in " Pursuit " of the two vehicles. He was merely attempting to catch up with them to take enforcement action against the drivers. As Deputy Golightly approached the intersection of Cairo Rd. and Fisher Rd. he noticed that the Camaro had left the roadway and come to rest in an empty field. The driver was taken into custody as was the operator of the motorcycle who had continued on to a dead end section of KY 3520.

After consultation with Commonwealth Attorney Tim Kaltenbach, the driver of the Camaro was charged with wanton endangerment 1st degree. This stems from placing Miss Morris at risk of serious physical injury or death by driving in excess of 100 MPH on a two lane road with a 55 MPH speed limit and disregarding a stop sign. Mr. Harrison was also charged with speeding and reckless driving. The operator of the motorcycle was arrested for reckless driving and speeding 26 MPH over the speed limit.

Arrested: Blake Harrison , 20, of Melber,Ky.

Charges: Wanton Endangerment 1st degree ( Class D Felony )

Reckless Driving ( Violation )

Speeding 26 MPH over the posted speed limit

: Dax Powell , 20, of Paducah, Ky.

Reckless Driving ( Violation )

Speeding 26 MPH over the posted speed limit

Disregarding a stop sign

Injured: Nicole Morris, 21, of Hickory, Ky.

Apparent Minor injury to her back