A deputy sheriff has struck and killed a motorist while responding to an emergency call.
The incident occurred Friday afternoon on Hwy 127 north near New Liberty Turnpike, approximately 10 miles north of Owenton in Owen County.
Kentucky State Police said its investigation showed that a Chevrolet Tahoe police vehicle, being driven by 31-year-old Deputy Frank Blackwell, of Glencoe, was traveling north on Hwy 127 with emergency lights and sirens activated as the deputy responded to a report of an overdose.
A 2014 Subaru Forester, being driven by 71-year-old Kathleen Fresard, of Willisburg, was traveling north on Hwy 127 ahead of several other vehicles, and ahead of Blackwell.
As Blackwell attempted to pass the slower traffic, Fresard made a left turn in the path of Blackwell’s vehicle, resulting in a collision, according to state police.
Fresard sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported by ambulance to a medical helicopter landing zone where she succumbed to her injuries.
Blackwell was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released.
Blackwell is a five-year veteran of the Owen County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation is ongoing and being led by the Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
