Murder charges filed in Fayette fatal crash

A Louisville woman who fled from officers in Clark County is now facing murder charges for a crash that killed three people earlier this month.

Lexington Police announced Thursday they were charging 42-year-old Tammy Rodriguez with three counts of murder, first-degree assault and first-degree wanton endangerment for the Sept. 5 crash on Interstate 75.

Police said Rodriguez was driving a Ford F-150 west on Interstate 64 when she attempted to merge onto northbound Interstate 75, but turned at the end of the ramp and went south in the northbound lanes. Rodriguez’s truck then struck two other vehicles.

Rodriguez’s sister Debbie Lynn Blevins of Pikeville was killed in the crash along with Taylor Blevins and Caitlyn Bailey, who were in another vehicle. Rodriguez, another passenger and the driver of the third vehicle were all injured.

Lexington Police said Rodriguez drove at least one mile in the wrong direction before the collision.

Clark County Sheriff Berl Perdue Jr. said previously deputies responded to a reckless driver complaint that evening involving an eastbound pickup truck on I-64. The vehicle went through the grass and continued west.

Winchester Police Capt. James Hall said city officers blocked the exits into Winchester, and continued the pursuit after sheriff’s deputies terminated their participation.

Hall said officers had contacted Lexington about the situation but had not reached the scene before the crash occurred.

Lexington Police had previously charged Rodriguez with driving under the influence and no operator’s license. Hall said officers obtained a warrant charging Rodriguez with reckless driving, first-degree fleeing or evading police and first-degree wanton endangerment.

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