A second-grader died when an intoxicated male with at least three previous DUIs crashed into the rear of a vehicle in Adair County.
Kentucky State Police said troopers responded to the two-vehicle crash at the intersection of the Hwy 55 Bypass and Pelham Branch Road Saturday afternoon at approximately 4:30.
The state police investigation showed that 46-year-old Joel R. Hammack, of Crossville, Tennessee, was traveling south in a 2016 Ford F-150 at a high rate of speed on the bypass when Hammack “came upon a slower-moving 2018 Kia Sorrento” that was also traveling south and being driven by 62-year-old Townya Ritzie, of Columbia.
The truck crashed into the rear of the Sorrento, resulting in the vehicle leaving the road and overturning.
A juvenile passenger in the KIA, second-grader Rose Morgan, according to Adair County Schools, was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Adair County Coroner’s Office.
Two other KIA passengers, 66-year-old Susan Morgan, of Columbia, and another juvenile were transported to the hospital with serious injuries, state police said. A third juvenile passenger and Ritzie were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
Hammack and his passenger, 45-year-old Walter Nichols, of Bean Station, Tennessee, were both arrested.
Hammack was charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol, his fourth DUI, first-degree assault, and three counts of second-degree assault.
Nichols, who KSP said was unruly as first responders attempted to give aid, was charged with third-degree assault (EMS, fire, rescue squad personnel), fourth degree assault, third-degree terroristic threatening, second-degree disorderly conduct, and alcohol intoxication in a public place.
Hammack and Nichols were lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.
The Elizabethtown Police Department responded Friday night, March 15, 2024, at approximately 11:00 to the 400 block of Diecks Drive “on what appeared to be a theft of some kind,” EPD Public Affairs Officer Chris Denham told The News-Enterprise.
Upon arriving at the scene, police heard an altercation taking place inside the residence, as the victim was yelling for help. Officers entered the residence as Hammack was strangling the victim.
Hammack, who was non-compliant, then began assaulting an officer. The officer responded by tasing the suspect.
Hammack was arrested and charged with first-degree strangulation, third-degree assault of a police officer, resisting arrest, and fourth-degree assault.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
