A Paintsville police officer has been charged with multiple felonies after driving an ATV while drunk on a public roadway with several children on the vehicle.
The Paintsville Police Department arrested 36-year-old James Bradley and charged him with DUI (aggravating circumstances), five counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, two counts of third-degree assault a police officer, and second-degree disorderly conduct along with traffic offenses.
Bradley was arrested after he drove an ATV to a Taco Bell drive-thru at approximately 12:15 a.m. Saturday. An employee called 911 and reported that Bradley appeared to be intoxicated. Additionally, there were five children on the ATV, open containers of alcohol and a cooler in the back of the vehicle.
Paintsville officers arrived at the scene and observed Bradley leaving the restaurant while noting he “could not maintain proper lane position” and was “swerving,” according to a report by the Paintsville Herald.
As Bradley neared an intersection, and “with no due regard for safety of the highway or all six passengers inside the vehicle,” disregarded the traffic control device as he entered Hwy 40, the newspaper reports.
Officers stopped the vehicle as Bradley displayed slurred speech, smelled of alcohol, and could not maintain his balance during a field sobriety test.
He was transported to Paintsville Appalachian Regional Hospital where he refused to cooperate with officers and medical staff, including standing on the hospital bed before falling and “striking both officers,” the Paintsville Herald reports.
Bradley eventually consented to a blood draw. He was then lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center. He was released a few hours following his incarceration on a $500 surety bond.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
