Officials say an impaired driver struck an unoccupied police cruiser before fleeing the scene Sunday night. The driver was charged with his fourth offense of driving under the influence, according to the Owensboro Police Department.
According to a release, OPD officers were conducting a traffic stop just before 10:30 p.m. on Sunday in the southbound lanes of New Hartford Road when an impaired driver struck the rear of the unoccupied police cruiser. The driver, who was later identified as John Warren, was southbound in a gray Ford Focus when he collided with the rear of the cruiser and then fled the scene, the release says.
Authorities said a vehicle pursuit was initiated and the fleeing vehicle continued southbound on New Hartford Road before the pursuit came to an end near Burlew Boulevard and Peppertree Lane. Warren was taken into custody, and several indicators of alcohol impairment were observed, according to the release. The police cruiser received minor damage.
Warren was taken to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital by officers as a precaution before being taken to the Daviess County Detention Center, the release says.
According to OPD, charges filed against Warren include:
- Driving Under the Influence – 4th Offense, Aggravating Circumstances
- Fleeing or Evading Police, 1st Degree (Motor Vehicle)
- Criminal Mischief, 1st Degree
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Insurance
- No Tail Lamps
