Bowling Green man arrested after collision into vehicle in funeral procession

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A man is facing charges after police say he drove into a vehicle in a Bowling Green funeral procession.

According to a uniform citation, a Bowling Green Police Department officer was directing a funeral procession Tuesday on the 800 block of Lovers Lane when a driver, identified as 29-year-old Montel Harkness, switched lanes to pass the procession.

Police say Harkness then struck the side of a vehicle in the procession.

Authorities say the officer saw Harkness then attempt to leave the scene.

Police then conducted a traffic stop on Harkness and say he was unsteady on his feet and smelled of an alcoholic beverage.

The citation states Harkness became physically and verbally aggressive.

Harkness was brought to the ground and instructed to stop resisting, police say. Harkness was taken into custody.

During the altercation, police say one officer was injured, including sustaining a laceration to his face and hand.

After a K-9 unit alerted on Harkness’ vehicle, police say they located a firearm and a “vodka shooter,” along with two marijuana grinders with residue.

Harkness was transported to The Medical Center at Bowling Green for medical clearance. He remains at the Warren County Regional Jail and faces charges of third-degree assault of a police officer or probation officer, first-degree disorderly conduct, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, first offense, possession of marijuana, second-degree criminal mischief, resisting arrest, leaving the scene of an accident – failure to render aid or assistance, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to yield right of way to funeral procession.