A man found unresponsive behind the wheel of a vehicle with a beer can between his legs at Greenwood Drive and Caramel Drive in Hopkinsville Monday night was arrested for multiple charges, including assault of a police officer and firefighter.
EMS personnel was called to check on 46-year old Richard Rippeon, Jr. of Hopkinsville and he became combative, according to a police report.
Police arrived to assist and Rippeon allegedly swung and struck an officer attempting to take the keys out of the ignition. He was pulled out of the car and continued to struggle, also swinging at a firefighter.
An arrest citation says beer cans—opened and unopened—were found in the vehicle and Rippeon registered a blood alcohol content of .185 on the breathalyzer—over twice the legal limit. A local security camera captured Rippeon driving the vehicle prior to police arrival.
He was arrested and charged with DUI, possession of an open alcoholic beverage, resisting arrest and two counts of third-degree assault of a police officer and firefighter.