Indiana man arrested for W’burg hit and run

Ricky Stidham was arrested Wednesday morning in connection with a hit and run accident in Williamsburg.

An Indiana man, who allegedly hit a 2003 Cadillac in Williamsburg last Wednesday morning and then fled the scene, had his bond reduced during a court hearing Monday morning.

About 7:40 a.m. last Wednesday, Williamsburg police received a report about a hit and run on Ky. 92W in front of Pilot.

When police arrived, they found one adult and two children, who were occupants in the Cadillac.

One of the children suffered facial injuries due to airbag deployment, according to a Williamsburg Police Department release.

Through their investigation, Williamsburg police learned that the other vehicle involved, a 1998 black Toyota Camry, had fled the scene and headed south on I-75, according to the release.

Several minutes later, Jellico police located the driver, Ricky F. Stidham, 21, of Madison, Indiana, and the vehicle at McDonalds in Jellico, Tennessee, the release stated.

Stidham was brought back to the scene where he was charged with three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, operating on a suspended license, leaving the scene of an accident/failure to render aid and no insurance.

He was lodged in the Whitley County Detention Center at 9:51 a.m., and pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Thursday afternoon.

Monday morning, Stidham agreed to waive his right to a preliminary hearing and District Judge Cathy Prewitt ordered the case sent to the Whitley County Grand Jury for consideration.

In consideration of his waving the preliminary hearing, officials agreed to amend Stidham’s bond from $10,000 cash to a $10,000 third-party surety bond. His bond conditions call for him not to drive and to remain in Whitley County.

Williamsburg Police Chief Wayne Bird is investigating the accident. Deputy Chief Jason Caddell, Detective Bobby Freeman and the Jellico Police Department assisted.