(London, KY) On Thursday May 5th 2016 around 10 A.M. Officer Steven Douglas with KSP-Vehicle Enforcement stopped a 2001 Freightliner tractor trailer on I-75 at the Northbound Weigh Station for a commercial vehicle safety inspection.
Upon approaching the vehicle, Officers noticed a foul odor along with an adult female passenger and two young juvenile’s ages 7 years old and 16 months old, all located inside passenger/sleeper compartment of the tractor trailer, not properly secured.
Upon speaking to the operator and through investigation, Officers found 37 year old William R. Eichhorn of Louisville, Kentucky operating under the influence of Methamphetamine. Further investigation found Eichhorn was in possession of a concealed firearm, alcohol, and was placing the two young juvenile passengers in an unhealthy/unsafe environment. Eichhorn was arrested and charged with Federal Motor Carrier Safety violations, Failure to use Child Restraints, Endangering the Welfare of Minor, Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, DUI and a Outstanding Warrant out of Jefferson County Kentucky.
Also arrested was the juveniles mother, 27 year old Samantha L. Whittenburg, of Louisville, Kentucky for Endangering the Welfare of a Minor and Public Intoxication.
The children were placed with child protective services and the investigation continues.
Assisting on Scene: KSP Vehicle Enforcement Officer Chris McQueen, Laurel County Sheriff’s Department, Laurel County Social Services. Officer Steven Douglas and Officer Chris McQueen continue the investigation.
