The Logan County sheriff voiced frustration after a Butler County man with “an extensive criminal history,” and newly released from jail, stole a vehicle in Morgantown and crashed into a Russellville firefighter.
The incident happened on Wednesday afternoon at approximately 4:30 when 38-year-old Jay Howard, of Morgantown, while driving a stolen 2020 Chevrolet Traverse, crashed head-on into a Chevrolet truck being driven by Russellville Rural Fire Department firefighter Dustin Pierce on Russellville Road (Hwy 68/80) in Logan County, according to a report by WNKY.com.
Howard had been arrested hours earlier, on Wednesday morning just before 4:00, after he threw a rock through the front door of Farm Boy Restaurant in Morgantown, according to the Beech Tree News. He was arrested and charged with criminal mischief and alcohol intoxication in a public place and lodged in the Butler County Jail. He posted a $250 bond and was released later that same day.
At approximately 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Howard stole the Traverse from Main Street in Morgantown.
It was three-and-a-half hours later that Howard crashed into Pierce.
The Logan County Sheriff’s Office investigation showed that Howard was driving on the wrong side of the roadway, a major thoroughfare in the region, and that he was driving while under the influence.
Howard was arrested and charged with DUI, at least his fourth such offense, first-degree wanton endangerment, receiving stolen property, first-degree criminal mischief, driving on a suspended/revoked operator’s license, and reckless driving. He was lodged in the Logan County Detention Center.
The Russellville Rural FD, in a social media post, said Pierce has been released from TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital. The department added: “Seatbelts really work. He is going to be very sore from the impact but overall is doing ok.”
Frustrated sheriff
Logan Co. Sheriff Stephen Stratton released the following statement to WNKY.com regarding the incident:
“In the early morning hours of November 5, 2025, at approximately 3:51 a.m., Jay Howard of Morgantown was arrested by the Morgantown Police Department for alcohol intoxication in a public place and criminal mischief. He was later released from the Butler County Jail on a $250 cash bond.
“Later that same day, at approximately 4:32 p.m., Howard was operating a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse traveling the wrong direction on U.S. 68 Bypass near USA Fuel when his vehicle struck a Chevrolet truck head-on.
“Following further investigation, it was determined that the vehicle Howard was operating had been stolen from Morgantown sometime after his release from custody earlier that morning.
“Deputy Fred McCarty with the Logan County Sheriff’s Office is the investigator in this case.
“It was also determined that Howard was already serving probated time from previous arrests at the time of this incident. Howard has an extensive criminal history, including multiple drug possession charges and DUI offenses within the past four years.
“Despite this history and his current probation status, Howard remains out on the streets. Wednesday’s crash could have been prevented had this individual been held accountable for his prior felony drug and DUI offenses.
“Our office will continue to work closely with local and state agencies to ensure accountability, protect the citizens of Logan County, and prevent repeat offenders from endangering our communities.”
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
