Unrestrained four-month-old baby killed in Edmonson Co. when driver wrecks while fleeing police

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Friday night at approximately 11:45, Kentucky State Police was requested by the Barren County Sheriff’s Office to assist in working a fatality accident just inside Edmonson County involving a vehicle that fled a Barren County Deputy.

Kentucky State Police spokesman, Trooper Jeremy Hodges, said the preliminary investigation revealed that Barren Co. Deputy James Roberts observed a 1998 Toyota Camry driving recklessly near the intersection of Park City-Bon Ayr Road and Apple Grove Road. When Roberts activated his blue lights, the vehicle accelerated onto Apple Grove Road, causing Roberts to lose sight of the car.

A short time later, Roberts crossed into Edmonson County, finding the vehicle, wrecked, in the middle of the road. The driver, 54-year-old James E. Settles, of Glasgow, had been ejected after the vehicle struck a tree. Two passengers, 43-year-old Ruth Clemmons, of Etoile (in Barren Co.), and her four-month old son, Lucas Settles, were located inside the vehicle.

None of the occupants were restrained at the time of the accident, according to Hodges.

James Settles was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition. Clemmons was transported by ambulance to University of Louisville Hospital where she is also listed in critical condition. Lucas Settles was pronounced dead at the scene by the Edmonson County Coroner’s Office.

Hodges said an active meth lab was located on scene and disposed of by the Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation continues and is being led by KSP Sergeant Joshua Cummings.

By Ken Howlett, News Director

Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000