RUSSELL COUNTY MAN ARRESTED AFTER COLLISION WITH CYCLISTS
A Russell Springs man was arrested Sunday after the vehicle he was driving struck two people riding bicycles on Fairground Street.
Ronald Franklin, 59, faces several charges after hitting Rebecca Schmidt, 39, and Laura Burress, 36, both of Columbia.
Franklin was traveling east in a 2002 Chrysler car when he struck the two cyclists, who were traveling in the same direction. Schmidt and Burress were treated on the scene by Adair County EMS then transported to T.J. Health Columbia and were later airlifted by helicopter to the University of Louisville.
Franklin was not injured and was arrested by Columbia Police Officers Josh Brockman and Charles Greer on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence, first offense; two counts of assault, 1st degree; reckless driving; and disregard/failure to yield right-of-way to a pedestrian or cyclist.
Franklin was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail and the accident remains under investigation by Officer Brockman. Kentucky State Police Trooper Chase Willis assisted at the scene of the crash.
POLICE BELIEVE MAN SPENT HOURS IN WRECKED VEHICLE
On Saturday, Deputy Sheriff Aaron Rainwater investigated a single vehicle accident that sent one person to the hospital with life threatening injuries.
At 5:03 a.m. Deputy Rainwater was dispatched two miles north on Knifley Road where Miles Coffey, 23, of Columbia had traveled off the roadway and struck a tree. Coffey was operating a 1984 Chevrolet.
Coffey was found in the vehicle semiconscious. He later told authorities that he had left his residence on Bridgewater Road at approximately 1:30 a.m. and had the collision minutes later. A passerby saw the wrecked vehicle and called 911.
Coffey was treated on the scene by Adair County EMS and transported to T.J. Health Columbia for further treatment. His condition at this time is unknown.
Possible drug use is believed to be a contributing factor in the collision. Coffey was cited for operating on suspended/revoked operator’s license, no/expired registration plates, failure to wear a seatbelt, and failure to maintain required insurance.
Deputy Rainwater was assisted on the scene by Adair County EMS, Constable Jason Rector and Officer Tracy McCarol of the Columbia Police Department.
ARREST MADE AFTER COLLISION WITH DEER
Deputy Sheriff Rainwater arrested William C. Loy, 22, of Columbia following a single vehicle accident.
The accident occurred eight miles south of Columbia on Burkesville Road around 12:45 p.m. Friday. Loy was traveling southbound when the accident occurred. He told police a deer ran into the front of his vehicle. He lost control and struck a guardrail before coming to rest off the roadway. He was arrested on the scene and charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, first offense. He was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.
Loy had two passengers in the vehicle who were not injured.
