BEDFORD — A Bedford man was arrested on Sunday after police alleged he fled the scene of a vehicle accident and later resisted arrest.
Kenneth Ray Price, 63, faces charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), leaving the scene of an accident, and resisting law enforcement.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Lawrence County Police Department Sgt. R. Compton, officers were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident on Trogdon Lane at approximately 3:10 p.m. When they arrived, they found a passenger car down an embankment with its three occupants—two adults and a one-year-old child—sitting on a nearby porch awaiting medical attention.
The other vehicle involved in the crash had left the scene. Officers followed a fluid trail from the accident and located a heavily damaged Buick at 79 Amick Lane, which was parked in a manner that suggested an attempt to conceal it.
Upon making contact at the home, officers spoke with Price. They noted that he appeared unsteady on his feet and his speech was impaired. When asked about the accident, Price claimed he had checked on the other car and saw no one inside, a statement that contradicted accounts from the victims. As officers attempted to detain him, Price allegedly pulled away and retreated into the home. Officers then secured him and placed him in handcuffs.
Price reportedly refused to take a chemical test and stated he did not understand his rights. Due to the circumstances, officers obtained a warrant for a blood draw, which was completed at IU Health Bedford Hospital.
Price was transported to the Lawrence County Jail without further incident. The affidavit noted that the smell of alcohol was detected on Price’s person during the initial contact.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the Probable Cause Affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
