Laurel County, KY - Sheriff John Root is reporting that Sgt. Robbie Grimes along with Sgt. Larry Parrott arrested two individuals off Hardin Road approximately 2 miles south of London after being dispatched to a single vehicle traffic crash there on Friday night, September 18, 2015, at approximately 9:48 PM.
When Sgt. Parrott arrived at the scene, the driver fled leaving his green Ford Mustang behind. Sgt. Parrott located the driver unlawfully hiding in a nearby residence and arrested him.
The driver was identified as Austin Ratliff age 19 East Pittsburg Church Rd., London. Following an investigation conducted by Sgt. Parrott along with Sgt. Robbie Grimes, this subject was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence under the age of 21; fleeing or evading police – second-degree – on foot; leaving the scene of an accident; wanton endangerment – first degree; Criminal trespass-1st degree; unlawful transaction with a minor – third-degree; failure of non-owner operator to maintain required insurance – first offense and other traffic violations.
This subject stated he had been drinking Bud Light prior to operating his vehicle. Deputies determined through investigation that this subject had been driving a green colored Ford Mustang southbound on Hardin Road when he veered left and ran into a ditch and struck a tree.
Also arrested was another adult passenger in the vehicle identified as Derek Spurlock age 18 of Old Whitley Rd., Apartments, London, and charged with alcohol intoxication in a public place. This subject admitted drinking beer and vodka.
Two other passengers in the vehicle - a 16-year-old female juvenile and a 15-year-old female juvenile were both transported to London St. Joseph Hospital for treatment of possible injuries. Both juveniles were determined to be under the influence and had allegedly been given alcohol by Austin Ratliff – the driver.
Assisting at the scene were Deputy Travis Napier, Deputy Jamie Grimes and Deputy Shawn Jackson.
Also assisting was Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County, London Laurel Rescue squad, and Laurel County volunteer Fire Department.
Photos of the accused courtesy of Laurel County Detention Center.
Pictured right: Austin Ratliff. Pictured left: Derek Spurlock.
