Man accused of strangulation, assault and leaving the scene of a wreck

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Bowling Green police were called to Porter Pike Monday night after a person driving a Kawasaki motorcycle reported being hit by a Ford Explorer.

Justin Loschert, 22, was driving the motorcycle away from town on Porter Pike when he saw a newer model SUV in the opposing lane, according to the accident report. The SUV suddenly crossed into his lane and Loschert locked up his brakes attempting to stop but was still hit head on by the SUV that left the scene.

Police researched debris at the wreck and determined that the SUV was a newer model Ford Explorer. Video surveillance from the Bowling Green Fire Department station on Porter Pike confirmed that a light colored Ford Explorer passed by seconds after Loschert passed by.

Loschert was flown to TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville.

Officers later identified Elijah Ray, 27, as the driver of the SUV, according to Ray’s arrest citation. He was charged with first-degree assault, leaving the scene of an accident and first-degree criminal mischief related to the wreck.

While police were looking for him to talk to him about the wreck, they responded 541 McFaddin Station Road. Ray was in front of the residence and immediately detained. While there, police saw Ray’s girlfriend who had marks on her neck, scratches and bruises, according to Ray’s arrest citation.

Ray’s girlfriend told police he tackled her to the ground after she asked him about his fidelity to her. She then said he choked her, according to his citation.

Ray is charged with first-degree strangulation and fourth-degree assault domestic violence in that incident.