Former WKU women’s basketball player charged in DUI crash

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A former Western Kentucky University basketball player is facing charges following a crash at a local residence.

According to a uniform citation, the Bowling Green Police Department responded around 10:46 p.m. Sunday to the intersection of Chestnut Street and 13th Avenue for a collision.

Police say upon arrival, they saw a vehicle that had driven over a curb and collided with a concrete wall.

The driver was identified as 21-year-old Acacia Hayes of Bowling Green.

Police say a female subject stated Hayes had been drinking. The citation states Hayes’ friends had been in the backseat during the collision.

Initially, police say Hayes stated she had not been drinking, however, she later stated she had one seltzer.

Police say Hayes’ breath smelled of an alcoholic beverage and she slurred her speech. Hayes could not finish some field sobriety tests due to a recent surgery, according to police.

In addition, police say they found a prescription bottle of hydrocodone pills in Hayes’ walker, which was inside the vehicle.

Police say the damage to the concrete wall appears that it will cost over $500 to repair. Hayes was placed into custody and transported to The Medical Center at Bowling Green for medical clearance before being lodged at the Warren County Regional Jail. Hayes has since been released.

She is charged with first-degree criminal mischief and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/substance, first offense.

A WKU Athletics Spokesperson released the following statement:

“We are aware of an incident involving a former student-athlete over the weekend. The student involved informed the coaching staff of her intent to transfer on April 1 and entered the transfer portal on that date. She has not been part of the WKU women’s basketball program since then.”