State-Journal.com - Dozing officer crashes patrol car

A Frankfort policeman dozed off at the wheel Friday and suffered a minor leg injury in a collision that severely damaged his cruiser, according to reports.

Lt. Charles Adams Jr., 35, who lives on Ky. Highway 151, told Franklin Çounty sheriff’s deputies he was driving home after his night shift when he fell asleep.

His vehicle – a 2007 Ford Crown Victoria – struck a 1989 Ford Bronco driven by Donald Ivers, 47, of Waddy, at 6:56 a.m. on Ky. Highway 151 in west Franklin County.

Adams’ cruiser crossed the center line into oncoming traffic and hit Ivers’ Bronco on the driver’s side, the report says.

Ivers told sheriff’s deputies he tried to get to the right shoulder, but an embankment kept him from getting off the road completely.

The Bronco slid down the embankment and stopped near a wire fence, the report says. The Bronco was reported as moderately-to-severely damaged.

Ivers’ 15-year-old daughter was in the vehicle.

Ivers and his daughter were checked by medical personnel on the scene and had no injuries. Adams had a minor leg injury and was sent to Frankfort Regional Medical Center.

Maj. Fred Deaton of Frankfort Police said Adams was released and had a bruised left ankle.

Deaton said while the accident will be included in the department’s accident file, Adams wouldn’t be disciplined.

Harold Moore, an administrative specialist with the city, said he hasn’t received an estimate from the Kentucky League of Cities – the insurance provider for police – and didn’t know how much it would cost to replace or repair the damaged cruiser.

38.	Posted by CITIZENCAIN December 8, 2009
	With no disciplinary actions of any sorts???How can another City Employee from another dept be fired for doing the same? Someone could have died! Double standards! Many City Police officers work at banks,hosp. to earn extra money to make ends meet,,,,THANKS Cathy Carter!!!Could these extra Hour$ cause sleep deprivation? I'm sure that the City will end up paying a lot to the innocent victims!Put the blame on the officer! I'm sure he is a God fearing great drug free family man! We are all held accoutable for our actions/decisions REGARDLESS! NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW OR ARE THEY?

37.	Posted by onlythefacts December 1, 2009
	Bodeen. I didn't say they patrolled the county, I stated they had jurisdiction in the county. There is a difference. A city officer can stop a car in the county. If there is a disturbance in the county and they are close they are legally authorized by state statute to stop and help. In fact I know of officers who have aided in the county while on duty. So "now what?" you need to educate yourself more on the facts before you speak. There are perks in every job. Stores give employees discounts and this is because of mark ups you pay on products but don't hear you complaining. Some restaurants offer discourse or even free food to employees because of the extra you pay but you haven't screamed about that injustice. However a man or woman who puts their lives on the line day in and day out you are ready to crucify and scream how great of an injustice it is that they drive a cruiser home. Really? Not to mention have you seen the amount of equipment each officer is responsible for? It would be impossible to load and unload everyday when they change shifts. So suck it up. Thatnk you to all officers for all you do.

35.	Posted by bodeen November 28, 2009
	onlythefacts, Frankfort police are not to patrol the county. Yeah, they can give chase or show up if nearby. I was at a city police house last night, way out in the county with a friend & seen the cruiser in the driveway. The cop was out of town at the time & ther for could not help if needed. Say what you want, it is nothing but an un-needed perc that the taxpayers ultimatly pay for! I would be curious to know if this cop was taking prescription drugs during this period. We will never know because he was treated differently because of his status.

34.	Posted by onlythefacts November 24, 2009
	First off Joshclaywell I think that you only quoted a portion for your own needs because I have yet to see anyone claim it to be the bronco drivers fault. Next for bodeen. Make sure you either choose your words better or know the facts because city of Frankfort officers do have jurisdiction in the county based on the class size of the city. So if they can only drive in their jurisdiction that would be anywhere considered Franklin county. Now let's remember that although shifts are assigned being a officer of the law is considered a 24 hour a day job. From my understanding if an officer is off duty and sees criminal activity going on they are required to step in and aide until other officers arrive. I said criminal not traffic, before someone hops on that comment. So if they are required to act upon something why not allow them their cruisers so they are fully equiped. Lastly, I know several officers from the gym and it is my understanding that if they are out on police business, meaning going to gym, court, or even maintenance for their car or equipment they are allowed to stop at stores or drop kids off at school so quit beating a dead horse. These men and women dedicate their lives to what they do without knowing each night or day if they will return to see their kids smile or feel their families touch all for what. Constant criticism and public battering. Sad. Like others have said I'll bet they are your best friend if you need them.

32.	Posted by jrb1952 November 21, 2009
	Yet we wonder why today's youth have no respect for the law or anyone else. This officer admitted from the get-go that he had fell asleep - it happens... can ANY of you say that you have NEVER driven a little 'sleepy-eye'?? Get over it -- let the folks who are paid to deal with these types of situations do their jobs. As someone has already said... it's called an ACCIDENT for a reason! And as far as taking the vehicle home, how many of you have SLOWED down on the road after coming up behind an officer. I know.... some of you self-centered egotists will say that it's never happened you to.

29.	Posted by emschick494861 November 20, 2009
	First and foremost those of you making your "snide" comments about Lt Adams, you know NOTHING about this man. NOTHING. He is a good, Christian man with a wonderful family. He takes his job VERY seriously,HENCE the LT. Yes, drug and alcohol tests are given to ANY city employee involved in a MVA in a city vehicle. I can guarantee you, he passed. I can also guarantee you that he is extremly sorry for the accident he caused. Wait, I said it was an accident. He didnt do it on purpose. Its not like he was driving down the road, swerved to hit this vehicle and then said "HA HA HA" He is HUMAN. He fell asleep. Thank God he and the others were not seriously injured. I am so sick to death of the police bashing on here. Yes, I know not all of them play by the rules. However, some people are so quick to judge these men and women. Do me a favor and walk a mile in their shoes. THEN complain. (No, Im not an officer, but I do work with them everyday, and I have the utmost respect for them.)