THP: Montgomery Co. captain charged with DUI crashed into car with baby inside, fled scene

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. (WZTV) — A report says a Montgomery County Sheriff's Office captain who is charged with DUI crashed into a vehicle with a baby inside and fled the scene.

Ronnie E. Farley Jr., 52, of Clarksville is charged with driving under the influence, implied consent, leaving the scene of a crash and due care.

According to a report from Tennessee Highway Patrol, Farley was traveling in the left lane of I-24 in Montgomery County Saturday when he tried to overtake another vehicle in the right lane. The car in the right lane had two young adults and an 11-month-old baby inside.

When trying to overtake the right lane vehicle, THP said it caused Farley's car to strike the car in the right lane. After the collision, Farley reportedly fled the scene until becoming stuck in a median.

THP said both vehicles ended up becoming stuck in the median and sustained damage.

MCSO provided the following official statement to FOX 17 News:

“A senior member of my staff has found his way into a very unfortunate situation. I can only say that I am glad that no one was injured and that THP is handling this in the same manner that I would expect from my deputies. We have a job to do, no matter who it involves.”

“We will conduct an administrative investigation into this during which time he will be on administrative leave. When our investigation concludes, the appropriate administrative action will be taken.”

Capt. Farley leads the MCSO division responsible for patrolling country roads, which assists with DUI checkpoints, according to the Leaf Chronicle. He was released hours later on a $1,500 bond.