Ohio Man Charged with DUI, Assault After Johnson County Crash

Police say the suspect initially denied drinking before changing his story.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A 45-year-old man from Columbus, Ohio has been charged with driving under the influence and assault following a crash in Johnson County, Kentucky. Police responded to the scene on February 14th and found one person complaining of injuries. The suspect, David Allen Bowling, initially denied drinking but later admitted to having "a couple" drinks before the incident.

Why it matters

Impaired driving continues to be a major public safety issue, with crashes involving alcohol or drugs resulting in thousands of injuries and fatalities each year. This case highlights the importance of law enforcement vigilance and the need for stronger deterrents and rehabilitation programs to address repeat offenses.

The details

According to police, they responded to the crash on Kentucky Route 302 and found one person at the scene complaining of injuries. When they spoke to David Allen Bowling, they reported smelling alcohol on his breath. Bowling initially denied drinking, but later admitted to having "a couple" drinks before the incident. He was then charged with DUI and assault.

  • The crash occurred on February 14, 2026.

The players

David Allen Bowling

A 45-year-old man from Columbus, Ohio who was charged with DUI and assault following a crash in Johnson County, Kentucky.

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What’s next

The case will proceed through the criminal justice system, with Bowling facing potential penalties for the DUI and assault charges.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing need for stronger enforcement, education, and rehabilitation programs to address the persistent problem of impaired driving and its devastating consequences for public safety.