LANCASTER, Ky. (LEX NEWS) — An interim Lancaster Police chief has been appointed after Chief Ryan Hughes was charged with DUI and first-degree criminal mischief following a single-vehicle crash in July.
In a statement to social media Friday, Lancaster Mayor Michael Gaffney said that Hughes has plead not guilty to the charges and his blood testing results have not been completed by the state crime lab.
Rick Shearer has been appointed to the position in interim.
Hughes has been placed in a non-patrol position and remains on administrative leave while the case remains ongoing.
According to previous reporting, police said that Hughes admitted to drinking before driving his car, which later caught fire after the crash.
"I believe strongly in the principle that a person is innocent until proven guilty. Ryan has the right to have the facts heard and to allow the judicial process to determine the outcome of this matter. The City does not have control over the crime lab’s processing of the blood evidence, nor should we attempt to make a determination that belongs in our justice system," Gafney said. "At the same time, I have a responsibility as Mayor to make decisions that protect the integrity and effectiveness of our Police Department and maintain the confidence of the citizens we serve while this matter is pending."
Read Gaffney's full statement below.
