On Monday at approximately 5:30 PM, Deputy Jacob Atwood responded to a report of a reckless driver operating a Toyota wagon. The vehicle had reportedly passed another car on a double yellow line at around 4:40 PM.

Later, dispatch received notice of a two-vehicle collision near Malone Cemetery Road. One female involved in the accident declined law enforcement response. Deputy Pruner arrived on scene and confirmed that the vehicle reported earlier was involved in the crash.

According to the other motorist, the driver of the Toyota—later identified as 42-year-old Patricia Breece Means of Liberty—smelled strongly of alcohol. Means reportedly handed over her vehicle information, stated that both parties were at fault, and then left the scene.

Means was eventually located at her mother’s residence. She stated she had left the scene in order to find cell phone service and contact authorities. Dispatch advised that Means initially refused to disclose her location, prompting the use of a phone ping to determine her whereabouts.

Means was placed under arrest for leaving the scene of an accident (failure to render aid or assistance) and transported to the Casey County Jail.