Sheriff Says Deputy's Car Crash Caused By Brake Failure: Deputy OK

Deputy Stoney Phillip's police cruiser after an accident the sheriff's office said was caused by faulty brakes.

Darren Doyle:
Deputy Stoney Phillips with the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office escaped serious injury after he was involved in an accident on Thursday night.

Officials said that Deputy Phillips was traveling south on HWY 743 (Chalybeate School Road) near Pine Grove Presbyterian Church when reports said a deer suddenly crossed his path. Phillips was forced to immediately slam on his brakes to avoid hitting the deer, but officials said the vehicle's ABS anti-lock feature failed and the brakes locked, causing the vehicle to slide off the roadway and into a fence where a fence post came through the windshield and struck the officer in the head.

Phillips was taken to the hospital but only suffered a minor head injury. Sheriff Shane Doyle said this is exactly why he has lobbied to the Edmonson County fiscal court for better vehicles.

"I understand budgets and shortfalls, and I'm very grateful that the fiscal court approved the four new vehicles that we're adding to our office," he said. "The truth is, I think had Deputy Phillips been in a newer and safer vehicle, he could've avoided this accident."

Doyle said the old vehicles are safety hazards and money pits.

"For years, we've sunk thousands upon thousands of dollars in broken-down cars for the sheriff's office because that's all we could afford. The problem with that is, we're still spending close to the same money in the long run as new or near-new vehicles because it takes so much money to keep repairing them and keeping them on the road." 

Doyle said Phillips experienced a close call.

"A log fence post came through the windshield and struck him in the head. Thankfully, he wasn't seriously hurt, but this is the reason we need newer, safer vehicles and equipment. We've already taken delivery of two of our vehicles and Deputy Phillips' vehicle is coming tomorrow. These are simply a necessity to our office and we're truly thankful that we have the opportunity to serve Edmonson County in much safer vehicles."

Sheriff Doyle said the Kentucky State Police are investigating.

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