A tractor-trailer driver from Chicago has been charged after authorities say he was under the influence of marijuana during a deadly crash in Hopkinsville.
According to Kentucky State Police, the crash occurred Saturday night in the 4800 block of Fort Campbell Boulevard. Investigators say 36-year-old Gerasimos Livieratos was driving a tractor-trailer southbound when he attempted to make a U-turn into the northbound lanes.
During the maneuver, a vehicle driven by Bernice Franklin, 33, of Clarksville collided with the trailer. Authorities said Franklin’s vehicle went underneath the trailer, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office was reportedly driving behind the truck when the crash occurred. Earlier that evening, the sheriff’s office had received a complaint about the driver allegedly operating the truck recklessly on Interstate 24.
Investigators said the truck had nearly run off the road multiple times and had driven across grass to reach Exit 81.
After the crash, Livieratos took a saliva test that indicated the presence of cannabis and reportedly failed several field sobriety tests. Authorities also said marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found in a backpack inside the truck cab.
Livieratos allegedly told investigators the backpack belonged to him but claimed he had not used marijuana for six days. A blood test was later taken at a hospital, and the results are still pending.
He faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide while under the influence of drugs, aggravated DUI, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless driving and improper turning.
Livieratos is currently being held without bond at the Christian County Jail and is scheduled to be arraigned in Christian District Court.