Fillmore man accused of leaving injured friend at scene of accident Wednesday

Thursday, April 19, 2018

FILLMORE — A Fillmore man faces criminal charges after fleeing the scene of a Wednesday crash that left his passenger seriously injured.

Matthew Sykes, 32, was booked in the Putnam County Jail on charges of driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of a property-damage accident causing serious bodily injury.

At 5:27 p.m., Sykes was northbound on County Road 500 East near County Road 300 North when his 2005 Chevrolet Trail Blazer traveled off the roadway for an unknown reason, getting stuck in the ditch.

Despite suffering unknown head injuries, Sykes’ passenger, Joshua R. Church, 29, Danville, was able to help get the SUV out of the ditch.

However, driving on only three tires, Sykes fled the scene to a nearby, leaving Church behind.

Emergency personnel arrived on the scene to find Church, who was transported by Putnam County Operation Life to Methodist Hospital.

Sykes was located at a short time later and taken to Putnam County Hospital for a blood draw and medical evaluation.

Deputy Anthony Brown reported that Sykes suffered unknown head injuries and also tested at .144 blood alcohol content.

Besides the criminal charges, Sykes was also cited for driving without financial responsibility.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: