(Mayfield, KY.) – On February 26, 2016 around 4:45 P.M., Kentucky State Police, Post 1 received a call of a reckless driver on I-24 west in Lyon County. State Police say a preliminary investigation shows that the driver of a SUV, 57 year old Franklin R. Vicars, Jr. of Whitmire, South Carolina, was driving west bound when, for an unknown reason, he slammed on his brakes causing a van to collide with the rear of his SUV. Vicars then fled the scene of the collision and continued west.
According to KSP, Vicars was then involved in an altercation at the Minute Mart Gas station located at exit 31 off I-24 in Livingston County before fleeing from there as well.
Troopers and a KSP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officer made contact with Vicars near the Marshall County and McCracken County line on I-24 west where troopers observed Vicars perform multiple traffic violations.
KSP says when units attempted to stop Vicars he refused to yield and units performed a rolling road block to force him to a stop.
Vicars was arrested and faces charges in Lyon County, Livingston County, and McCracken County.
In Lyon County Vicars was charged with Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree (Class D Felony) and Leaving the Scene of Accident/Failure to Render Aid (Class A Misdemeanor).
In Livingston County Vicars is charged with Assault 2nd degree (Class C Felony).
In McCracken County Vicars is charged with DUI – 1st offense (Class B Misdemeanor), Driving on DUI Suspended License – 1st offense (Class B Misdemeanor), Failure to Give Right of Way to Emergency Vehicle (Class B Misdemeanor), Failure to Surrender Revoked Operators License (Class B Misdemeanor), Reckless Driving (Violation), Failure to wear seat belt (Violation), Failure to or Improper Signal (Violation), Failure to Produce Insurance Card (Violation), and Possession of Open Alcoholic Beverage in Motor Vehicle Prohibited (Violation).
Vicars was lodged in the McCracken County Jail.
The investigation is ongoing Kentucky State Police.