Keavy man accused of driving while under the influence for fourth time

A Keavy man is facing a felony DUI charge as he was arrested on his fourth DUI following a crash last Thursday night on U.S. 25 in Lily.

Laurel County Sheriff’s deputies say 57-year-old Franklin Early admitted that he had taken Percocet earlier in the day and had Percocet in his possession when interviewed after the multiple-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m.

“This subject (Early) tried to crush the pills into the ground but Deputy (Keith) Dinsmore prevented him from destroying evidence,” said Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, the department’s public affairs officer.

One person was injured in the crash.

Early was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence – fourth offense, driving on a DUI suspended license – second offense, controlled substance prescription not in proper container and tampering with physical evidence.

Early is being held in the Laurel County Correctional Facility on a $10,000 cash bond.