[Rangerscott]

Originally Posted by Hydrant

By Dave Greber, Staff Writer Updated 1:22 PM Wednesday, May 12, 2010

HAMILTON — The local driver of a pickup truck that struck a motorcyclist Tuesday night, May 11, said he had been drinking “quite a bit” before the crash, accident reports indicate.

Jeffrey Carson, 43, of Hamilton, was apprehended by police at his house off Vandeveer Avenue minutes after he allegedly failed to yield at the intersection of High Street and Erie Boulevard and struck the motorcyclist.

Carson then fled the scene, the bike still lodged under his front bumper.

Police said a trail of water from the site where the motorcycle became separated from the pickup truck led them to Carson’s home. Although he smelled strongly of alcohol, Carson told police he got spooked and drove off, insisting the crash was the motorcyclist’s fault, according to police reports.

Chad R. Boeding, 33, of Cincinnati, was taken by ambulance to the Butler County Regional Airport, where he was flown by medical helicopter to University Hospital with severe injuries. He was listed in critical condition Wednesday afternoon, May 12.

Neither Carson nor Boeding were licensed drivers or carried insurance, according to Hamilton Sgt. Craig Bucheit. Boeding was wearing a helmet, however.

Lets see. Should believe the bystanders or the drunk guy? Hmmmm..........decisions.