Laurel truck driver, wanted for six-fatality traffic crash in Tenn., captured in Lexington

A Laurel County man wanted since Aug. 3 when he was indicted on six counts of vehicular homicide in Chattanooga, Tenn., was arrested Friday in Lexington.

According to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, 39-year-old Benjamin Brewer was taken into custody by Lexington Police.
Lexington Police stated that Brewer, who was arrested in Hamburg, cooperated with police until officers attempted to place him in the cruiser.

At that point, Brewer reportedly began kicking at the window of the cruiser, causing minor damage.

wagon to take Brewer to the Fayette County Detention Center.

Lexington Police reported that they had received information from the U.S. Marshal service earlier Friday that Brewer may be in the area.

Chattanooga Police have placed a hold on Brewer, meaning even if he were to be eligible to be released from custody in Fayette County, he would instead be held to be returned to Tennessee.

A grand jury indicted Brewer in connection with the June 25 wreck on Interstate 75 in Chattanooga during which the tractor-trailer truck he was driving slammed into eight cars, killing six people.

According to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, eight vehicles were stopped in the roadway because of construction when Brewer’s truck came upon the scene and failed to stop, plowing into the cars. In addition to the fatalities, six people were injured.
Brewer was indicted on six counts of vehicular homicide by impairment, four counts of reckless aggravated assault, and one count each of DUI first offense by impairment of narcotics, speeding and false reports of duty status.

According to WRCB Channel 3 in Chattanooga, Brewer tested positive for crystal meth following a court-ordered controlled substances test.

In addition, National Transportation Safety Board investigators reported that Brewer had been on duty for 50 consecutive hours.
Under Tennessee law, individuals who have a case going before the grand jury are responsible for appearing in court for the possible return of the indictment in order to avoid an arrest warrant being issued.