Adair County man charged in collision investigation in Columbia, Kentucky

COLUMBIA, Ky. (FOX 56) An Adair County man has been charged in connection with an investigation into a vehicle crash on Saturday, according to law enforcement.

The Kentucky State Police Department (KSP) said it received a call from the Adair County Sheriff’s Office shortly before 8 a.m. Saturday requesting assistance in the investigation of a vehicle collision and shooting on KY 704 in Adair County was requested.

Authorities said a preliminary investigation revealed that Gregory Willis, 50, and Mark Hatcher, 46, were involved in a vehicle collision on KY 704 in Columbia. A passenger in Hatcher’s vehicle, William Feese, 23, was reportedly injured in that collision.

KSP said in a news release that Willis shot Hatcher immediately after the collision between Willis and Hatcher.

KSP said Hatcher and Feese were hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, while Willis fled the scene and a search was conducted.

According to KSP, an arrest warrant was issued for Willis, who was eventually found by law enforcement in a wooded area near Paul Frankum Road in Columbia shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday.

Authorities said Willis was charged with first-degree assault and booked into the Adair County Detention Center.

According to law enforcement, the case is still under investigation.