Intoxicated driver flees scene after striking Amish buggy in Graves County

GRAVES COUNTY, Ky., (KBSI) – At 11:55 a.m., Graves County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported crash between a motor vehicle and an Amish buggy approximately 3 miles east of Fancy Farm on Ky Hwy 80 West.

Witnesses described the suspect vehicle fleeing the scene with significant damage, while the horse from the buggy broke free and was later secured and returned to its owner. Deputies observed the suspect vehicle traveling westbound on Hwy 80 West.

In collaboration with the Carlisle County Sheriff’s Office, authorities located the suspect, 49-year-old James L. Gholson of Arlington, at a nearby residence. Gholson was found to be under the influence of alcohol, with prior DUI convictions, and driving on a suspended operator’s license due to DUI.

Gholson refused a blood test, prompting deputies to obtain a search warrant for testing. The Amish buggy operator, 55-year-old Roy Mast of Dublin, Ky, was transported to Jackson Purchase Medical Center for treatment.

During questioning, Gholson admitted to crashing into the buggy and fleeing the scene, driving on a blown-out tire for part of the journey.

Charges:

– DUI
– Driving on a DUI-suspended license
– Leaving the scene of an accident

This investigation was conducted jointly with the Carlisle County Sheriff’s Office.