LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A 36-year-old woman has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges after allegedly driving under the influence and colliding with a Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) officer’s cruiser last week.
Ashley Garvin was arraigned in court on Monday, where she faced a range of charges, including wanton endangerment, assault of a police officer, criminal mischief, driving under the influence, possession of an open alcohol container in a motor vehicle, driving without insurance, and expired registration plates.
The incident occurred on the night of February 24, around 10 p.m., when Garvin’s vehicle rear-ended a marked LMPD cruiser on Interstate 265 North near the Westport Road exit. At the time of the crash, two officers were assisting a stranded motorist on the northbound side of the interstate. The police cruiser, with its emergency lights flashing, was parked in the right lane, according to the arrest report.
The impact from the collision caused the cruiser to spin 180 degrees, coming to a stop in the left lane, facing oncoming traffic. The officer, who was inside the vehicle at the time, was able to exit the cruiser without assistance but sustained injuries, including a bruised inner lip, bruised left shin, and general body pain.
Garvin was found slumped over the steering wheel of her car, with blood on her face and empty beer bottles inside the vehicle. Officers were unable to open the doors, which were locked, and had to use a baton to free Garvin.
When questioned, Garvin claimed she did not see the police cruiser, despite the emergency lights being active. The officer was inside the cruiser during the crash, but fortunately, was able to check on Garvin before emergency services arrived at the scene.
Both Garvin and the injured officer were transported to UofL Health Hospital for treatment. Medical personnel from EMS and Anchorage Middletown Fire responded to the scene.
A warrant for Garvin’s blood was obtained, and the results revealed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.205 — more than two and a half times the legal limit of 0.08. She was booked into Louisville Metro Corrections in the early hours of February 25.
During her arraignment on March 3, Garvin was granted a $15,000 full cash bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for March 11.
