Overturned Truck Leads To DUI Arrest

Edmonson Voice Staff
The Edmonson County Sheriff's office responded to a call of an overturned truck at the junction of KY HWY 187 and Cedar Grove Church Road on Saturday, February 27, 2016. 

Deputies that while en route to the accident scene, they received a call that the person involved in the accident was seen walking along the side of the road, but returned to the scene before law enforcement arrived. 

The Sheriff's office said when they arrived at the crash site, they found Jason Howell, 40, lying in the road as other emergency personnel tended to the scene.

According to officials,  Howell told deputies he was a passenger in the vehicle and the driver had fled. Deputies said they searched the area and found no evidence of anyone else being in the truck or the area. They also said the driver's side airbag had deployed and that Howell had a burn mark on his forehead consistent with an airbag burn.

Officials also said the passenger's side airbag did not deploy, and that Howell showed multiple signs of intoxication. The truck, a 2016 Toyota Tacoma, had been rented in Howell's name, according to officials.

​Deputies said after further investigation, Howell was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Careless Driving, and Possession of Open Alcohol Container in a Motor Vehicle.

Howell refused medical treatment at the scene and was eventually taken to Hart County Jail. 

Responding to the scene was the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, Edmonson EMS, and Bear Creek Fire Department.