Woman arrested for DUI after collision with sheriff's deputy's vehicle

Christopher Harris, Commonwealth Journal, Somerset, Ky.
·2 min read

Sep. 21—A deputy of the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office was injured in a collision with another vehicle on Thursday morning on West Ky. 80.

According to the sheriff's office, Deputy Ronald Hellard was traveling westbound on that road in his Pulaski County Sheriff's Office issued patrol vehicle, near the intersection with Ky. 1248, when a 2005 Ford, being operated by Emily Edwards, 48, of Somerset, pulled out of a driveway, traveling eastbound on West Ky. 80.

The Edwards vehicle crossed into the westbound lane as Hellard approached, according to the sheriff's office, which reported that Hellard, in an attempt to avoid a collision with Edwards, maneuvered his vehicle into the westbound ditch.

Hellard's vehicle continued in the ditch line until it struck a culvert, causing it to overturn and come to rest on the roadway on its wheels.

Hellard was transported to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital by units with the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office for treatment of minor injuries. He was released later in the day.

Edwards was determined to have not been injured in the accident, according to the sheriff's office, which reported that as the Somerset Police Department investigated the accident, it was determined that Edwards was under the influence of an intoxicating substance.

Edwards was arrested from the scene and charged with First-Degree Operating Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, First-Degree Wanton Endangerment (Police Officer), First-Degree Criminal Mischief, No Registration Plates, and Failure of Non-Owner Operator to Maintain Required Insurance/Securities, First Offense. Edwards was also served a warrant for Non-Payment of Court Costs. Edwards was lodged in the Pulaski County Detention Center.

The accident is under investigation by the Somerset Police Department.

The Somerset Police Department and Pulaski County Sheriff's Office were assisted at the scene by the Somerset Fire Department and Somerset-Pulaski County EMS.

Sheriff Bobby Jones thanked all first responders for their rapid response in assisting Deputy Hellard in the above incident.