SOMERSET, KY - According to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, on Thursday, September 21, 2023, Sheriff Bobby Jones reported a motor vehicle accident with an injury involving a Sheriff’s Deputy.
Dep. Ronald Hellard was traveling westbound in his Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office issued patrol vehicle on W. Hwy 80 near the intersection of Hwy 1248 when a 2005 Ford, being operated by Emily Rosanne Edwards, 48 years of age, of Somerset, pulled out of a driveway, traveling eastbound on W. Hwy 80. The Edwards vehicle crossed into the westbound lane as Dep. Hellard approached.
Dep. Hellard, in an attempt to avoid a collision with Edwards, maneuvered his vehicle into the westbound ditch. Dep. Hellard’s vehicle continued in the ditch line until it struck a culvert, causing Dep. Hellard’s vehicle to overturn and come to rest on the roadway on its wheels.
Dep. Hellard was transported to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital by units with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office for treatment of minor injuries. He was released later in the day.
Edwards was determined to have not been injured in the accident.
As the Somerset Police Department investigated the accident, it was determined that Edwards was under the influence of an intoxicating substance.
Emily Edwards was arrested from the scene and charged with:
Operating Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance 1st Degree, Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree (Police Officer), Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, No Registration Plates, and Failure of Non-Owner Operator to Maintain Required Insurance/Securities 1st Offense.
Edwards was also served a warrant for Non-Payment of Court Costs.
This individual was was lodged in the Pulaski County Detention Center.
Photo of the accused is courtesy of the Pulaski County Detention Center.
Photo of Dep. Ronald Hellard's Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office issued patrol vehicle is from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office.
The accident is under investigation by the Somerset Police Department.
The Somerset Police Department and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office were assisted at the scene by the Somerset Fire Department and the Somerset/Pulaski County Emergency Medical Service.
Sheriff Bobby Jones thanks all first responders for their rapid response in assisting Dep. Hellard in this incident.
Sheriff Bobby Jones asks if you have any information about drug activity or any crime to contact our tip line at 606-679-8477. You can also leave a tip on our webpage at PulaskiSheriff.com. You can remain anonymous by texting PCSOTIP to 847411, or by using our mobile app on both Google Play and the App Store.
