Franklin man steals vehicle, attempts to hit woman, police say

FRANKLIN, Ky. – A Simpson County man is facing charges after allegedly stealing a vehicle and attempting to hit a woman with it.

The Franklin Police Department says it responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on Eddings Road on Monday.

Police say the complainant indicated that the vehicle was attempting to run over a woman on the roadway.

After arriving at the scene, authorities say the victim told police she had been in a verbal argument with Brandon Etheridge, 24, of Franklin. The victim says she attempted to leave the scene in a vehicle, according to police. Etheridge allegedly broke the passenger side door handle and jumped onto the vehicle.

Authorities say the victim says Etheridge gained access and made her stop the vehicle.

The victim exited the vehicle and experienced a medical event, police say. Etheridge allegedly attempted to put the victim back in the vehicle before she walked away. According to police, the victim says Etheridge followed her, and she requested help from a motorist.

Etheridge allegedly drove between the victim and the motorist, attempting to stop her from receiving help.

Authorities say the victim stated Etheridge drove away from the scene and did not return.

Officers say they located Etheridge at a nearby business. Etheridge allegedly attempted to flee police.

Police say a witness, who was driving, told them they observed Etheridge driving the vehicle on Eddings Road. Etheridge allegedly drove the vehicle toward the witness’s vehicle, almost causing a head-on collision and swerving at the victim.

Officers arrested Etheridge and transported him to the Simpson County Jail.

Etheridge is charged with theft by unlawful taking or disposition auto between $1,000 and $10,000, first-degree wanton endangerment and second-degree criminal mischief. His bond is set at $25,000.