Man Crashes Into Nolin River, Charged With Substance DUI

A Toyota Camry sits in shallow water at Nolin River after a DUI crash.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
A Horse Cave man was arrested last night after a brief hospital stay and faces multiple charges after he drove his car into the Nolin River yesterday, according to local law enforcement.

Emergency workers responded to the scene of the Nolin Lake tail water at the Nolin River boat ramp around 4PM, to the call of a vehicle that had driven into the water. Emergency officials first arriving on scene described the driver as "not knowing who or where he was." He was also described as still appearing to drive the car as emergency workers approached him.

The driver, identified as Randy L. Meredith, 61, of Horse Cave, apparently drove a Toyota Camry down the bank and off to the left side of the boat ramp, going airborne and landing into the shallow water, according to Edmonson County Sheriff James Vincent.

Arrow marks the spot where the car left dry ground, indicated by the marks left on the rocks.

Emergency personnel assess the vehicle in the river.

Randy L. Meredith (61), Horse Cave.

The Sheriff said Meredith showed obvious signs of impairment and was transported to the hospital for medical clearance before he was arrested and charged with:

• Operating motor vehicle under the influence (substance)
  
• Reckless driving
  
• Wanton endangerment first degree (police officer)
  
• Wanton endangerment first degree
  
• Public intoxication, controlled substance (excludes alcohol)
  

View from the tow truck pulling the vehicle from the water.

Meredith was uninjured, according to the Sheriff. He was lodged in the Hart County Jail upon being discharged from the hospital.

Also responding to the scene were the Lincoln and Kyrock Fire Departments, Edmonson EMS, EC Emergency Management, the U.S. Park Service, District 5 Constable, and the Corps of Engineers.