Update: Minivan assault case going to grand jury

A Laurel County grand jury will consider the assault case against a Corbin area woman who was allegedly under the influence of drugs when she drove her minivan into the path of a motorcycle last week.

Following a preliminary hearing Tuesday in Laurel District Court, Judge Wendel “Skip” Hammons ruled there is probable cause to present the case against 47-year-old Patricia A. Hollingsworth to the grand jury.

Hollingsworth is facing two counts of first-degree assault and one count of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs/etc. stemming from the May 31 incident at the intersection of Ky. 192 and Ky. 229 in London.

London Police were called to the scene of the crash about 2:55 p.m.

According to police, Hollingsworth was travelling west on Ky. 192 when she failed to stop for a red light at the intersection.

“Witnesses at the scene stated that the above (Hollingsworth) failed to stop for a red light and drove into he path of the motorcycle who had the right of way,” police stated in the arrest citation.

The motorcycle rider, identified as Christopher M. Abbott of Keavy, and his passenger, Heather N. Burkhart of London, were both airlifted to the University of Kentucky Medical Center.

According to the arrest citation, Hollingsworth showed signs of being under the influence and failed multiple field sobriety tests.

When police asked Hollingsworth if she had taken any type of drugs within the 24 hours prior to the wreck, she admitted that she had taken Suboxone, Valium, Neurontin and had also smoked Marijuana.

The grand jury is scheduled to hear cases Monday and will return indictments on June 16.

Under Kentucky law, first-degree assault is a Class B felony, carrying a potential prison sentence of 10 to 20 years.

Hollingsworth remains in the Laurel County Detention Center on a $50,000 cash bond.