 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Hit And Run Driver Apprehended Saturday Night
A driver who allegedly struck another motorist, then fled the scene of the accident Saturday night was soon apprehended by law enforcement officials.
Reports filed through the Lawrenceburg Police Department show that the accident occurred around 10:40 p.m. at the Springer Road/East Gaines Street intersection.
The victim of the crash, age 17, told officers that he had stopped in the turn lane at the intersection in an attempt to make a left turn. He reported that the driver of a white 2000 model Nissan truck had turned from East Gaines onto Springer, striking his 1990 Toyota truck on the driver side.
The victim told officers that the driver, a man with long hair who appeared to be intoxicated, had stopped and exited his vehicle. When the teen instructed the man to pull into the nearby parking lot of a convenience store while he summoned police, he reports the man got back into his truck and left the scene, heading north on Springer Road.
At around 11:40 p.m., officers report locating a vehicle believed to have been involved in the hit and run. Officers report that the lights were on in the truck, which was parked at a house located at 437 First Street. The vehicle had sustained a dent on the front bumper, and bore read paint. In addition, there was a white male with long hair sleeping in the driver seat, and the key was in the ignition. When they attempted to rouse the man, officers report there was a “very obvious odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from inside the truck.” Officers report it took five minutes to rouse the man.
When they asked the man where he thought he was, officers report he responded, “Mt. Pleasant.” When they asked where he lived, he told them 705 First Street, Lawrenceburg. When they asked whether he remembered being involved in an accident, officers report the suspect denied involvement in the crash and began cursing.
The victim of the crash was brought to the scene and was able to make a positive identification of the driver.
When the man, identified as Rickey G. Hamilton, 49, of 437 First Street, Lawrenceburg, was removed from his truck, officers report, “due to his level of intoxication field sobriety tests were not given for his and officers safety.”
A driver’s check of Hamilton’s license, reports show, indicated he was classified as a habitual motor vehicle offender who had been convicted of three or more DUI offenses.
As a result of the evening’s events, Hamilton was placed under arrest on charges that include third offense DUI, operating a motor vehicle as a habitual motor vehicle offender, leaving the scene of an accident, driving on a revoked driver license, violation of the financial responsibility law, and violation of the implied consent law.
Hamilton was transported to the Lawrence County Jail without further incident.
.
.
