GEORGETOWN, Ky. (LEX NEWS) — Update: Aug. 25 at 5 p.m.
A Georgetown woman accused of striking a 10-year-old girl after allegedly passing a stopped school bus pleaded not guilty Tuesday during her arraignment in Scott County District Court.
Ashley Parsons, 39, appeared virtually from the Scott County Detention Center, where she remains jailed on a $50,000 cash bond.
Parsons is charged with first-degree assault, driving under the influence, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident and passing a loading school bus. A judge entered a not guilty plea on her behalf.
During the hearing, Parsons told the court she wanted to hire an attorney but was unsure how to do so. The judge granted her a court-appointed attorney.
According to Georgetown police, Parsons was driving an SUV on Mount Vernon Drive on the morning of Aug. 20 when she failed to stop for a school bus displaying its stop sign and struck a 10-year-old girl.
A police citation states the child was hit with such force that her shoes were knocked off and she landed near the rear tires of the bus.
The citation also says video evidence showed the vehicle traveling at an "extremely fast pace" after the collision. According to the document, Parsons told officers she remembered seeing the bus stopped but did not see a stop sign and did not recall striking a child.
Police said the girl suffered a head laceration and a concussion and continues to receive medical treatment.
Court records show Parsons was involved in another alcohol-related incident earlier this year. On June 11, Georgetown Police charged Parsons with alcohol intoxication, first and second offense. She later pleaded guilty, paying a fine and court costs. Records state she was found unconscious in the parking lot of a Georgetown business
Parsons remains in custody. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 1.
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Update: Aug. 20 at 3 p.m.
On top of four original charges, 39-year-old Ashley Parsons of Scott County has also been charged with passing a loading or unloading school/church bus after she allegedly struck a 10-year-old student in Georgetown on Thursday.
Parsons was originally facing the following charges when she was arrested and lodged at the Scott County Detention Center following the accident: operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, assault in the first degree, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident or failure to render aid or assistance.
Parsons fifth charge coincides with a new Kentucky law that went into effect on July 15, which imposes harsher penalties for drivers who are accused of not stopping for a school or church bus when its stop sign is extended. For a first offense, a driver faces a $300 for failure to stop.
Georgetown Police Captain Lewis Crump told LEX News on Thursday that school buses should not be a dangerous place for students.
"They're getting on the bus to go to school to learn and be good members of our society, and we want to make sure that happens," Crump said.
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Update: Aug. 20 at 12:30 p.m.
A Scott County Public Schools representative released a statement to LEX News regarding a situation that occurred early Thursday morning involving a 10-year-old student who was struck by vehicle in the Mt. Vernon subdivision in Georgetown.
In the statement, the representative states that the student attends Southern Elementary School, and that they have been taken to a local hospital for care. Read the full statement below.
"While walking to the bus in the Mt. Vernon subdivision in Georgetown, a Southern Elementary School student was injured by a car. The student was taken to the hospital for care.
We are thankful for the quick response and ongoing partnership with our local emergency service providers and Georgetown Police Department. We have spoken directly with parents of the students on the bus at the time of the incident and have informed all Southern parents of the situation.
Fellow bus riders and classmates made get-well cards for the student for the principal to deliver later today."
-Representative for Scott County Public Schools
Update: Aug. 20 at 12 p.m.
A driver accused of striking a 10 year-old student and fleeing the scene has been identified and charged following a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash Thursday morning. Georgetown Police say the 10-year-old female has no broken bones, but received some stitches on her forehead. She is also recovering from a concussion.
According to Georgetown Police, at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 20, 2026, a student was crossing the roadway when they were struck by a vehicle. The driver failed to stop, render aid, or remain at the scene.
Authorities located the vehicle and driver a short time later in Georgetown.
The suspect has been identified as Ashley Parsons, who is facing the following charges:
- Aggravated DUI
- First degree assault
- Leaving the scene of an accident/failure to render aid
- Reckless driving
Parsons sought medical attention as well after being located. Court records show that Parsons plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of public intoxication in Scott County District Court back in July. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing.
Georgetown Police also thanked community members for their assistance in the case.
“We want to sincerely thank everyone who shared our original post, provided information, and helped spread the word,” authorities said. “Your assistance was instrumental in helping us locate the vehicle and driver.”
Original story:
Georgetown police are investigating a crash after the driver of a black SUV ignored a school bus stop arm and struck a school-aged child crossing the road in the area of Valley Forge Court, according to police.
The child was transported by ambulance to the hospital. The child's condition has not yet been released.
Investigators are looking for the black SUV, possibly a GMC Acadia, last seen traveling on Mt. Vernon Road toward Washington Square. The vehicle may have front-end damage.
Anyone who saw a vehicle matching this description in the area around 7:08 a.m. Thursday, or who has information that could help investigators identify the vehicle or driver, is asked to contact Ofc. Shelton at 502-863-7820.
"Even a small detail could help us locate the vehicle," police said.
The Georgetown Police Department's main number is 502-863-7826.
