Pike County commissioner candidate charged with DUI after wreck

KIMPER, Ky. — A Phelps man running for public office in Pike County has been charged with dui after a single-car crash last week. 25-year-old Jarrad Tyler Smith, of Ashlick Fork, overturned his vehicle late Friday night on route 194 at Kimper. Smith has filed to run for county commissioner in District 3. Police say Smith smelled strongly of alcohol when they arrived on the scene, but he refused to take any tests, saying he was in too much pain. He then allegedly tried to leave the scene and a trooper had to stop him. Police say Smith then became belligerent and asked if he was under arrest, then turned around and began to rapidly walk away from the scene. He was arrested and taken to Pikeville Medical Center for a blood test and medical clearance. After speaking to an attorney, he submitted to the test, as well as additional tests conducted by PMC at his expense. Smith was admitted as a trauma patient at PMC and was not medically cleared for jail. He was cited on scene for DUI and never formally arrested. His attorney, Steve Owens, declined an interview with EKB News, saying it’s his practice not to comment on ongoing investigations. Smith is scheduled for arraignment December 18th.