Man Charged With DUI After Crashing SUV Down Ravine, Passenger Seriously Injured

2001 Ford Escape rests in Bear Creek after a Wednesday night crash.

Passenger Ends Up In Creek, Driver Faces Multiple Charges

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
An Ohio County man was charged with driving under the influence after crashing his SUV down a steep ravine that left his female passenger seriously injured and in a freezing creek.

The Edmonson County Sheriff said they responded to the scene of a single vehicle accident around 6:30pm on Wednesday night on Cedar Grove Church Road where the driver, Joshua Harper (37), of Cromwell apparently went off the side of the road in a 2001 Ford Escape and overcorrected, which caused the vehicle to leave the roadway and come to rest in Bear Creek, approximately 15-20ft down a ravine below the road. 

Officials said the SUV was traveling from the Sunfish area to Bee Spring when the crash occurred. 

Officials said the passenger ended up in the creek after the crash.

The Sheriff's Office also reported that Harper first told authorities that he wasn't the driver but later changed his story. His passenger, Rebecca Bradley, (32), of Beaver Dam suffered serious injuries in the crash and ended up in the creek. 

She was transported to University of Louisville Hospital where she was undergoing surgery for multiple fractures and possible internal injuries, according to the Sheriff's Office. Officials said she was listed in stable condition.

The SUV had to remain in the ravine until a large commercial wrecker was available.

Joshua Harper, 37, Cromwell.

Harper was arrested and charged with Driving under the influence (2nd offense), Menacing, and Resisting arrest. More charges are pending, according to the Sheriff's Office. He was lodged in the Hart County Jail.

Also responding to the scene were the Bear Creek, Kyrock, and Brownsville Fire Departments, Edmonson County JAWS, and Edmonson EMS.