BEDFORD– A Seymour man is facing charges after allegedly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident in Bedford on October 22, 2024.
Levi K. Lakes, 39, is charged with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident, a crime he is accused of committing after colliding with another vehicle on U.S. Highway 50 East. According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Bedford Police Officer Michael Bell, the incident occurred around 5:21 p.m. when Justin Berger, the driver of the other vehicle, was waiting in traffic to turn left onto Limestone Run Road.
Berger told police that he noticed the vehicle behind him — later identified as Lakes’ Volkswagen Jetta — failing to pay attention while stopped. To give the driver more space, Berger began to move forward, but despite heavy braking, Lakes’ vehicle collided with the rear of Berger’s car. Initially, Lakes pulled over, exchanged paperwork with Berger, and expressed reluctance to involve the police. Concerned that Lakes might flee, Berger took photographs of Lakes and his license plate.
During the exchange, another motorist stopped to assist and parked behind Lakes’ vehicle, preventing him from leaving. However, Lakes allegedly noticed this and, in an attempt to flee, grabbed his paperwork from Berger’s hand and drove off. Berger, fearing being hit, had to push off of Lakes’ vehicle to avoid injury.
Upon arriving at the scene, Officer Bell met with Berger and was informed of the events. Bell then contacted Lakes, who had been stopped by a Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputy on State Road 58 near Todd Lane. After reading Lakes his Miranda rights, Lakes explained that he collided with Berger’s vehicle when a car in front of Berger had abruptly stopped. He admitted to initially pulling over to exchange information. Still, he said that during the interaction, Berger became physically aggressive, leading him to fear for his safety. Lakes claimed that Berger shoved him and attempted to take his keys, which caused him to drive away.
Lakes told the officer that he left because he feared further confrontation and did not want to get into trouble. He also stated that he did not call the police because his phone was out of minutes.
Both parties provided insurance information, and a state accident report was completed. Photographs of both vehicles were taken, and no further injuries were reported. Despite Lakes’ explanation, Officer Bell determined there was probable cause to believe that Lakes committed the offense of leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident and requested a warrant for Lakes’ arrest.
Lake was detained on that warrant on Monday, December 2.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
