Hodgenville man charged with murder, captured in Hart County

UPTON, Ky. – A Hodgenville man is charged with murder after an alleged hit and run in Hardin County on Wednesday morning at 11:53 am.

According to the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, Matthew Bush, 33, was operating a 1993 Chevrolet Truck southbound on North Walnut Street in Upton, when he struck and killed a pedestrian that entered the roadway to return to a residence.

The victim is identified as James Hawk, 71 of Upton. Hawk was pronounced dead at the scene by the Hardin County Coroner’s Office.

Police say Bush failed to render aid and fled the scene in his vehicle on US 31 South toward Hart County.

During the investigation, the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office were able to retrieve video footage from local businesses to determine the vehicle that struck Hawk.

Hardin County Sheriff’s Office received a tip that Bush operated his vehicle to the Horse Cave area and attempted to hide from police in a barn on Dixie Highway.

The Hardin County and Hart County Sheriff’s Offices located Bush and served a warrant for Bush’s arrest.

During the investigation, officers say they located open alcohol containers. Bush was taken to a medical facility in Horse Cave for a blood test. The results of the blood test are pending.

Bush is charged with murder, leaving scene of accident-failure to render aid or assistance, and operating motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/substances.

Bush is lodged at the Hart County Jail.

The crash is under investigation by the HCSO Reconstruction Unit and the HCSO Criminal Investigation Division.

This is a developing story.