A man from Tennessee was recently arrested and charged with third-degree assault and driving under the influence after striking an Athens, Alabama Police officer at the scene of a three-vehicle crash on December 17, according to an official.
According to Captain Marty Bruce, officers were required to remove 40-year-old Ardmore, Tennessee resident George Earl Rich from his vehicle and restrain him.
The wreck took place shortly after 9:30 p.m. According to Bruce, upon the arrival of Lt. Steve Moore and Officer Mickey Hart at the scene, Rich was still behind the wheel of his vehicle. Bruce said that the officers asked to see his driver’s license. While they were trying to get his attention, Rich punched Moore in the mouth and locked his door. The officers were then able to remove him from the vehicle and restrain him.
Rich was transported to Athens-Limestone Hospital for treatment before being taken to Limestone County Jail.
Others injured in the crash were 42-year-old Athens resident Rebecca Guerrero Munoz, her passenger, 15-year-old Darsy Munoz, and 40-year-old Athens resident Travis Lee Jarrett. The Munozes received treatment at Athens-Limestone hospital. There is no record of Jarrett receiving treatment.
