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Last updated on Sunday, December 30, 2012
(SCOTTSBURG) - Police say a drunk driver caused the death of a Washington County man Christmas Eve.
82-year-old Dean R. Shepherd, of 9321 E. Garrison Hollow Road, was a greeter at the Scottsburg Walmart and had just finished his shift and headed home.
Around 8:15 p.m., the Washington County Sheriff's Department received a call reporting a possibly intoxicated driver eastbound on State Road 56. Officers were en route when just four minutes later, another call came in, reporting the vehicle had crashed at the intersection of Shields Road and State Road 56, at the top of the three-lane hill.
According to Deputy Joe Keltnerm, a black 1993 GMC Jimmy driven by 37-year-old Gilbert L. Mullis, of Bloomington, crashed into Shepherd's silver 2008 Kia head-on. Keltnerm says Mullis' GMC was completely left of center when his vehicle hit Shepherd's vehicle.
Coroner Rodale Bihsaber pronounced Shepard dead at the scene.
Keltnerm says Mullis suffered possible leg, chest and internal injuries. He was transported via air ambulance to University of Louisville Hospital.
Officers detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from Mullis.
Mullis has been charged with operating while intoxicated, OWI with a prior, OWI causing death, reckless homicide, criminal recklessness and false informing.
With New Year's Eve approaching, law enforcement urge residents to plan before celebrating with alcohol. Celebrate responsibly and don't drink and drive.
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