Saturday night at 9:46 p.m Adair County dispatch notified officers of a possible drunk driver headed east on Hwy 80 in a black car followed by a van that was being operated by the caller.
Columbia officer Josh Brockman was coming on duty and met the vehicle and turned around to pursue it. After losing it for a short period of time he noticed that it had pulled off the roadway into a private lot owned by Burton Stone on east 80. As he approached he noticed the driver standing outside the vehicle and he smelled a strong odor of alcohol.
While officer Brockman was attempting to speak with the driver the man ran to his vehicle and
attempted to take off. Officer Brockman attempted to prevent the driver from
leaving and was dragged several feet before getting free. The man got into the driver’s seat and drove
toward the officer striking him with his vehicle. The driver then turned the vehicle around and came toward Officer Brockman a second time. Brockman discharged his duty weapon toward the vehicle and the driver stopped, barely missing Brockman.
At this point Adair County Deputy Sheriff Aaron Rainwater had arrived on the scene and officers were able to
subdue the driver as well as a passenger. Officer Brockman was transported by Adair EMS to Westlake Regional Hospital where he was treated and released due to injuries he sustained. No one was struck by gunfire.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as Donald Bearden, of Columbia. He was transported by EMS to be evaluated. He was released and lodged in the Adair County Jail by Deputy Aaron Rainwater and
charged with Assault 1st on a police officer, wanton endangerment 1st degree, operating a motor vehicle under the influence, reckless driving, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.
The passengar, identified as Ron Litteral, of Columbia, was charged with public intoxication.
Columbia police were assisted on scene by the Adair County Sheriff’s office as well as Kentucky State Police. The incident is being investigated by Columbia police Sgt. Jr Murphy.
The Community Voice was on the scene following the incident and will have a full report in Thursday’s edition.
