Kentucky State Police arrest Two during Fatal Collision Investigation Involving a Vehicle and Pedestrian on a Bicycle

L to R: David Ramsey and Bethany Acelinger / Bell County Detention Center

MIDDLESBORO, KY – On March 1, 2021 at 2:12 AM Kentucky State Police, Post 10 Harlan received a call of a collision involving a vehicle and pedestrian on a bicycle. Middlesboro Police Department responded along with Middlesboro EMS and located the pedestrian deceased from injuries he sustained after being stuck by a 2004 Ford pick-up truck.

KSP was requested to conduct an investigation. Troopers and Detectives from Post 10 responded and began an investigation.

Initial investigation indicates:

• David Ramsey (64) of Middlesboro was operating a white 2004 Ford pick-up west on KY 441.
• Mr. Ramsey struck Bradley McNally (33) of Middlesboro with his vehicle.
• Mr. McNally was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Bell County Coroner.
• After the collision occurred, Mr. Ramsey allowed his vehicle to be driven off while he walked from the scene on foot.

A short time later, the 2004 Ford pick-up was located at a residence in Middlesboro with damage consistent to the scene and seized by KSP.

Mr. Ramsey was interviewed by KSP and confessed to his involvement in the collision. Mr. Ramsey also admitted to using Marijuana and Methamphetamine while operating his vehicle.

Mr. Ramsey was arrested and lodged into the Bell County Detention Center.

David Ramsey was charged with:

• Manslaughter 2^nd degree
• Leaving scene of accident – Failure to render aid or assistance
• DUI 1^st
• No or expired operator's license

On March 3, 2021 at 11:30 A.M. Kentucky State Police arrested a second person involved in this investigation. KSP arrested Bethany Acelinger (20) of Baxter.

Bethany Acelinger was charged with:

• Tampering with physical evidence
• Leaving scene of accident – Failure to render aid or assistance

Ms. Acelinger left the scene in possession of the vehicle involved in the collision.

This individual was lodged in the Bell County Detention Center.

Photos of the accused are courtesy of the Bell County Detention Center.

Case is still under investigation by Det. Jake Middleton. Also assisting at the scene were Middlesboro Police Department, Middlesboro EMS and Bell County Coroner's Office

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