Three people were injured Monday night in a two-vehicle crash on KY 144, and one man was arrested after allegedly fleeing the scene on foot, according to the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a release, DCSO responded around 8:40 p.m. to the 3900 block of KY 144 for a crash involving a black SUV and a silver passenger car. According to witnesses, the SUV pulled out of the Tavern parking lot into the path of the eastbound car, causing the collision, officials said. Witnesses told deputies the driver of the SUV ran from the scene before emergency crews arrived.
A woman and two children in the silver car were taken by ambulance to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital with moderate to severe injuries, including at least one broken bone, according to DCSO.
Deputies identified the suspected driver of the SUV as 41-year-old Christopher S. Hinton of the 200 block of Redbud Road, the release says. They located Hinton at a nearby residence but said he initially refused to come to the door. Law enforcement saw him through a window and observed clothing on the floor that matched the description given by witnesses, officials said.
Deputies obtained a search warrant and entered the home, where they took Hinton into custody. According to DCSO, during his arrest, Hinton “made several incriminating statements.” While officials said Hinton had been drinking alcohol, there was not enough evidence to charge him with DUI.
He was evaluated at the hospital before being lodged in the Daviess County Detention Center.
Hinton is charged with:
- Three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment
- Second-degree assault
- Leaving the scene of an accident/failure to render aid or assistance
The roadway was closed for about an hour while emergency crews cleared the scene. Agencies responding included the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police, Owensboro-Daviess County Central Dispatch, AMR Ambulance Service, Daviess County Fire Department, and Thruston Fire Department.
