Man charged after crash, alleged carjacking in Bowling Green

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – One man is behind bars after authorities say he crashed his vehicle and attempted to steal another.

According to a uniform citation, the Kentucky State Police was dispatched Monday to Interstate 165 northbound at the 5-mile marker regarding an attempted carjacking.

The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Gregorio Lopez of Campbellsville, had gone airborne during a wreck after crossing the median and hitting a tow truck, according to troopers.

According to witnesses, authorities say Lopez then tried to use a screwdriver to attempt a carjacking on a pickup truck.

The citation states Lopez then climbed into the seat of the truck of a passerby that had stopped to render aid after the collision.

In addition, Lopez allegedly tried to steal a second vehicle.

Authorities say they arrived on scene, and Lopez ran toward a wooded area. Troopers say Lopez yelled during the pursuit that he had a gun and made a movement with his hands toward his waist.

Authorities say Lopez continued running until he entered a barn on Sweeney Lane.

Lopez then fled out of the back of the barn, authorities say, before he was apprehended.

EMS was called to the scene. Authorities say Lopez was believed to be under the influence of controlled substance.

Lopez was later transported to the Warren County Regional Jail, where he faces charges of first-degree criminal mischief, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, first offense, first-degree wanton endangerment, leaving the scene of an accident – failure to render aid or assistance, carjacking, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, first offense, second-degree fleeing or evading police (on foot), no registration plates, public intoxication of a controlled substance (excludes alcohol), attempted carjacking, resisting arrest and first-degree wanton endangerment.