Two Vehicle Accident Results In DUI, Wanton Endangerment Charges

Dodge Caliber operated by Taylor Boatwright (22), Cub Run.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
A Cub Run woman and toddler passenger were sent to the hospital and another man was arrested and faces DUI and Wanton endangerment charges after a two-vehicle accident Monday night, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

According to Sheriff's deputies, Taylor Boatwright (22) of Cub Run was headed north in a Dodge Caliber on Veterans Memorial HWY, just past the intersection of Beaver Dam Church Road around 5:15PM on December 27, 2021. According to the Sheriff's Office, a Ford pickup driven by John Howard, (30) of Morgantown, which was headed south, entered into the northbound lane and struck Boatwright's vehicle on the driver's side. The Ford pickup then exited the right side of the roadway and continued several hundred feet before coming to rest in the middle of Beaver Dam Church Road.

Ford pickup driven by John Howard, Smiths Grove.

John Howard (30) Morgantown.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Howard smelled strongly of alcohol and had a blood alcohol level nearly three times the legal limit at the time of the crash. Law enforcement stated that Howard admitted to drinking alcohol earlier in the evening.

Boatwright and a two-year old passenger were transported to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Howard refused medical treatment at the scene, deputies said. He was arrested and charged with Operating motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol (aggravated circumstance) and two counts of Wanton Endangerment.

He was lodged in the Hart County Jail.

In addition to the Sheriff's Office, responding to the scene were the Brownsville and Chalybeate Fire Departments, Kentucky State Police, Edmonson County JAWS, and Edmonson EMS.

The road was shut down for a short time while the scene was secured and cleared.