Truck driver charged with DUI after I-75 accident in Scott County

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (WTVQ) – A semi driver who crashed on I-75 in Scott County on Wednesday was charged with DUI after deputies say he admitted to taking pills before the accident.

Investigators say 38-year old Paul Bauer, of Cincinnati, was under the influence while driving a tractor-trailer northbound on I-75 when he crashed, flipping the semi on its side near mile marker 129.

Several witnesses say Bauer was driving recklessly along I-75 prior to the crash, according to investigators.  After being checked out at an area hospital, he was taken to jail in Scott County.

Deputies say Bauer was hauling 73,000 pounds of scrap metal, which spilled across all three northbound lanes and onto two southbound lanes, bringing traffic to a standstill on one of the busiest travel days of the year.  Traffic was backed-up for miles.

Investigators say diesel fuel also spilled onto the road, which increased the clean-up time.

Deputies say the semi belongs to JCOT Trucking from Elsmere, Kentucky.  The company had no comment about the accident.

All affected lanes were reopened by 12:30 p.m.