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Arrest Made in the Fatal Collision on US 23 in Lawrence County

Date of News Release: 12/26/2007

(Ashland, KY) - Kentucky State Police in Ashland have arrested a Louisa resident on a felony charge following the December 14, 2007 collision on US 23 that killed 42 year old Louisa resident Joey L. Kirk. Richard S. Gussler III was arrested without incident at the Lawrence County Sheriff's office after he voluntarily surrendered himself to the Kentucky State Police. Mr. Gussler was charged with Manslaughter 2nd Degree stemming from the December 12th collision in Lawrence County, Ky. An extensive investigation revealed Gussler was the operator of unit 1, which struck Mark Skaggs' vehicle from behind.

The investigation is continuing by Detective Aaron Martin.

Original Press Release Below.

Date of News Release: 12/17/2007

(Ashland, KY) - Kentucky State Police in Ashland is investigating a two vehicle fatal collision Friday evening that resulted in the death of a Louisa resident. Paul Justice was traveling south on US 23 and had stopped for a traffic light at the junction of KY 2565 in Louisa. Richard Gussler III was traveling southbound behind Mr. Justice's vehicle and struck the vehicle in the rear. All three occupants (Paul Justice, Mark Scaggs & Joey L. Kirk) from Mr. Justice's vehicle were extricated from the vehicle and transported to Three Rivers Medical Center for multiple injuries. The emergency room physician later pronounced Joey L. Kirk dead at Three Rivers Medical Center. Richard Gussler III was treated and released at Three Rivers Medical Center.

Authorities from Kentucky State Police Post 9 Pikeville and Post 14 Ashland are continuing the investigation.

* No additional information is available for Richard Gussler III at this time. There will be a follow on press release as information develops.