Man charged with DUI after wreck in Horse Cave

HORSE CAVE, Ky. – A Bowling Green man is facing multiple charges in relation to operating a motor vehicle under the influence in Hart County.

According to a uniform citation by the Kentucky State Police, troopers were dispatched around 10:52 p.m. Monday for a reckless driver on Interstate 65 southbound.

Authorities say the caller stated they saw a black passenger car unable to stay in its lane and almost hitting the guardrail.

Around 11 p.m., multiple calls came in reporting a wreck between a black passenger car and white SUV at the 58.8 mile marker on I-65 southbound, authorities say.

KSP says upon arrival, troopers spoke with the driver of the white SUV, who stated he was traveling on I-65 southbound with two passengers when he was hit in the back driver’s side.

He stated this caused him to lose control of the vehicle and wreck into the ditch on the side of the road, according to KSP.

Troopers say they spoke with the driver of the black passenger car, identified as Richard Etungano, 26, of Bowling Green. Both Etungano and his passenger had a strong odor of alcohol coming from them, according to authorities.

Troopers say Etungano denied drinking any alcohol at first but later said he had one or two drinks.

In plain view, authorities say they could see an open and empty beer bottle in the driver floorboard.

Etungano’s preliminary breath test showed a blood alcohol content of .243, authorities say.

Etungano was arrested and is charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, first offense, reckless driving, no operators – moped license, failure of non-owner operator to maintain required insurance, first offense, second-degree wanton endangerment and possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in motor vehicle prohibited.

Etungano was transported to the Hart County Jail, where authorities say his BAC tested at .262.