Russellville Rural firefighter recovering after wrong-way crash, 1 arrested

RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. – One man is facing charges and a Russellville Rural firefighter is recovering after a wrong-way crash.

According to Russellville Rural Fire Department, firefighter Dustin Pierce was involved in the two-vehicle collision Wednesday afternoon.

A uniform citation states the Logan County Sheriff’s Office responded Wednesday to U.S. 68/80 Bypass regarding the collision.

Upon arrival, authorities say they learned 38-year-old Jay Howard of Morgantown had been driving a vehicle in the wrong lane when he collided with the other vehicle, driven by Pierce.

Authorities say when making contact with Howard, he was still behind the wheel in the front driver’s seat.

Howard then stated another subject had driven the vehicle, authorities say, however, no other person was in the vehicle.

According to the citation, witnesses stated they did not see any other subject driving the vehicle or leave the vehicle that had traveled the wrong way.

In addition, authorities say Howard showed signs of being “manifestly under the influence of a substance.”

Authorities say Howard stated he had consumed alcohol the same day. According to court records, Howard has previously been charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or a substance three other times.

The citation states the vehicle Howard had been operating on Wednesday was confirmed to have been reported stolen from Morgantown.

Howard was arrested and faces charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or a substance, fourth offense, first-degree wanton endangerment, operating on a suspended or revoked operators license, no operators – moped license, receiving stolen property $10,000 or more, first-degree criminal mischief and reckless driving.

The Russellville Rural team has confirmed Pierce was released from TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital and overall “is doing ok.” The department says he will be recovering for the next few days.

Sheriff Stephen Stratton with the Logan County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement regarding the case:

“In the early morning hours of November 5, 2025, at approximately 3:51 a.m., Jay Howard of Morgantown was arrested by the Morgantown Police Department for alcohol intoxication in a public place and criminal mischief. He was later released from the Butler County Jail on a $250 cash bond.”

“Later that same day, at approximately 4:32 p.m., Howard was operating a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse traveling the wrong direction on U.S. 68 Bypass near USA Fuel when his vehicle struck a Chevrolet truck head-on.

“Following further investigation, it was determined that the vehicle Howard was operating had been stolen from Morgantown sometime after his release from custody earlier that morning.

“Deputy Fred McCarty with the Logan County Sheriff’s Office is the investigator in this case.

“It was also determined that Howard was already serving probated time from previous arrests at the time of this incident. Howard has an extensive criminal history, including multiple drug possession charges and DUI offenses within the past four years.

“Despite this history and his current probation status, Howard remains out on the streets. Wednesday’s crash could have been prevented had this individual been held accountable for his prior felony drug and DUI offenses.

“Our office will continue to work closely with local and state agencies to ensure accountability, protect the citizens of Logan County, and prevent repeat offenders from endangering our communities.

“Sheriff Stephen Stratton
Logan County Sheriff’s Office”

Jay Howard remains at the Logan County Detention Center.