Man Out On Bond For DUI Arrested For DUI Days Before Sentencing

Edmonson Voice Staff
A Wingfield man was arrested on several DUI related charges just days before he was scheduled to appear in court for sentencing in several felonies he was charged with over a year ago.

Brandon Appleby, 32, was arrested April 18th, 2015 after a high speed police chase and charged with three felony offenses as well as aggravated DUI. He was accused of attempting to hit a law enforcement officer with his car during the incident. He had been out of jail on bond for those charges and scheduled to appear in court for sentencing on May 16th, 2016.

On May 10, 2016, Appleby and a friend were camping at the Houchins Ferry Campground where U.S. Park Rangers said he was driving suspiciously in the Campground area. A further investigation showed that Appleby had a suspended license from a previous DUI.

Brandon Appleby, 32, Wingfield. (Hart Co. Jail)

​Officials said that a traffic stop was made near the Edmonson County Bus Garage where Rangers reported that Appleby and his passenger, Sarah Shepherd showed signs of intoxication. It was also reported that Shepherd couldn't spell her name when speaking with officers. 

Appleby reportedly admitted to drinking prior to driving and after field sobriety tests were administered, he was placed under arrest for Driving under the influence (2nd offense) along with Aggravated Driving DUI suspended license, and Possessing license when privileges are revoked/suspended.   His passenger was arrested for public intoxication.

Sheriff Shane Doyle made a statement regarding public intoxication charges. "Someone might see this case and see it as unfair because the passenger wasn't driving and had nowhere else to go while the driver was stopped. If a passenger is intoxicated and the driver is arrested for DUI, the passenger is essentially stranded in public while drunk. If you're going to be an intoxicated passenger in a vehicle, you better make sure your driver is sober, otherwise you'll also be arrested."

Also assisting on scene was the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office and Brownsville Police.

Appelby was transported to the Hart County Jail while Shepherd was transported to the Barren County Jail. Appleby pleaded not guilty to all charges in district court this past Tuesday, May, 24th.

---