LONDON, KY - Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that in less than 8 hours sheriff's investigator's developed information on a possible suspect on the hit and run vehicle involved in a traffic fatality approx. 2 miles south of London on U.S. 25, at approx. 4:22 A.M. on Thursday morning April 3rd, 2025.
A moped was apparently struck in the rear as it traveled southbound causing critical injuries to the driver who died a short time later at a local hospital. The moped driver who received fatal injuries has been identified as: Thomas Williams age 58 of Russell Springs, KY.
The hit and run vehicle was located in the parking lot of a business near Lily. The vehicle was a black colored Chevrolet Suburban, with front end damage as was suspected.
Hit and run vehicle
The suspect, Tyler Taperek was arrested later on Thursday, April 3, 2025. He was transported to and booked into the Laurel County Correctional Center at 6:06:00 PM.
Tyler Taperek was charged with:
- LEAV SCENE OF ACCIDENT/FAIL TO RNDR AID/ASSIST W/DEATH OR SERIOUS PHYS INJ
This individual was lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Photo of accused being escorted to cruiser by: Deputy Gilbert Acciardo.
Mugshot of accused courtesy of the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Photo of hit and run vehicle by Detective Taylor McDaniel.
Laurel Sheriff's Detective Hunter Disney is the case officer assisted by Sheriff John Root and the detectives of the sheriff's office.
Assisted by: Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County, London-Laurel County Rescue Squad, Laurel County Fire Department, Laurel County Coroners Office.
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April 3rd, 2025 - Sheriff John Root: Help us identify a hit and run vehicle involved in a traffic fatality approx. 2 miles south of London on U.S. 25, at approx. 4:22 A.M. this morning (April 3rd). A moped was apparently struck in the rear as it traveled southbound causing critical injuries to the driver who died a short time later at a local hospital. The run vehicle is believed to be a Chev. Suburban.- The front grill emblem and headlight were probably damaged on the run vehicle. If you know anything about this suspect vehicle or its driver, please contact the Laurel County Sheriff's office at 606-864-6600 or personal message the Laurel County Sheriff's Office Facebook or email to
Information will be strictly confidential.
Laurel Sheriff's Deputy Noah Ritchie, Accident Reconstructionist Brad Mink, and Detective Taylor McDaniel continue to investigate. More information will be released as it becomes available.
