Soddy-Daisy police charge man in fatal wreck

photo Lucas Bill Rippy

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Soddy-Daisy police arrested a man who they say drank too much and crashed his car, killing his girlfriend.

Officers charged Lucas Bill Rippy, 41, of Bogue Chitto, Miss., with vehicular homicide by DUI on Saturday. According to an incident report, Rippy crashed his 2007 red Ford Mustang at 1234 Thrasher Pike about 3 a.m.

Paramedics drove Rippy and Samantha Ownby, 45, of Hixson, to Erlanger hospital, where Ownby was pronounced dead.

Police say Rippy smelled like alcohol and confessed to downing several drinks before driving. He is being held at the Hamilton County Jail in lieu of a $500,000 bond.

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