Wheelchair-Bound Man Found Guilty

Back to Home
Updated: 6:31 PM Apr 22, 2008 Wheelchair-Bound Man Found Guilty A Garrard County judge handed down a guilty verdict on Monday for a man, charged with reckless driving in his wheelchair. Posted: 12:48 PM Apr 22, 2008

Font Size:

A Garrard County judge handed down a guilty verdict on Monday for a man, charged with reckless driving in his wheelchair.

Ohmer Portwood was cited for driving his power chair in the road. He says he has no choice but to hit the road, because there was no sidewalk for him to use.

District Judge Bill Oliver ruled Portwood was guilty to an amended charge of breaking the pedestrian code.

Portwood was sentenced to pay a $20 fine and court costs and was ordered to not drive his chair in the street any more.

Portwood says he plans to sue the city of Lancaster in federal court to make sure they bring sidewalks and streets up to code in accordance with Americans With Disabilities Act.

Latest Comments

Posted by: dcmerkle Location: Towson, Md on Apr 24, 2008 at 05:53 PM

Where the prosecutor said that Lancaster having no sidewalks for Mr. Portwood was irrelevant to the case just goes to show how Lancaster has no concern for the handicapped. Did that prosecutor realize what he was opening up when he made that statement? Does Lancaster's government realize just how badly they've been portrayed. Guess how much this is going to cost them in tourism trade this summer?

Posted by: Bill on Apr 24, 2008 at 08:28 AM

good ol Kentucky will arrest anyone for 20 bucks.What a bunch of bull.who ever this judge was he needs run out of town,along with the cop writting the ticket.

Posted by: someone with an opinion Location: pikeville on Apr 23, 2008 at 08:40 PM

Though I have never been to Lancaster, I cannot believe in 2008, there are towns that do not provide adequate pathes or walkways , easy access ramps, etc. What is up, what does everyone else do to get around there? Why is he rendered with no choice but to drive.

Click here to post or read all 29 comments.

More Stories

	Classifieds THE place to buy and sell items. Most ads free.

	Half Off Deals Save 50% from local merchants.

	Desktop Alert Download weather alerts to your computer desktop.

	FirstAlert Defender Dual Polarity Radar

	Experts Got a question? Ask our Health Experts.

	WKYT Archives Looking for a video clip?

	Everyday Heroes Is someone you know a hero?

	Crime Find out how Ray Larson is stopping crime.

	Crimestoppers Help bring criminals to justice.

	Simple Energy Saving Tips Answers to your questions about energy efficiency and saving money.