A 37-year-old woman in Kentucky is accused of abandoning a 91-year-old man inside his disabled vehicle on a sweltering day with a heat index of 101 degrees after he refused to buy her cigarettes, authorities said.
Nikki Reed Hoskins was taken into custody last week and charged with one count each of first-degree wanton endangerment, theft by unlawful taking, third-degree assault on a police officer, and menacing in connection with the incident, according to the Laurel County Sheriff's Office.
Background
The alleged incident unfolded when deputies responded to a 911 call reporting that an elderly man had been left stranded in his vehicle on the roadway. When authorities arrived, they found the 91-year-old victim still inside the disabled car. Investigators later learned that Hoskins had allegedly removed the keys from the ignition, leaving the elderly man unable to drive away.
The victim told deputies that he and Hoskins had gotten into an argument over whether he would purchase cigarettes for her on the extremely hot day. Frustrated by his refusal, Hoskins walked away from the vehicle in the direction of her nearby residence on Littontown Road, according to the sheriff's office release.
A passerby witnessed the elderly man stranded and called 911. Deputies noted that conditions were dangerous, with temperatures reaching a heat index of 101 degrees that day.
The Investigation
Investigators went to Hoskins' residence where they determined she was inside. However, authorities said she refused repeated commands to come outside. After confirming the home belonged to her and learning she had outstanding warrants, deputies attempted multiple times to persuade her to surrender.
Deputies eventually entered the residence and found Hoskins "hiding in the bedroom," according to the sheriff's office.
Authorities allege Hoskins struck Deputy Cyruss McVey while officers were attempting to take her into custody. Deputies also observed that she was unsteady on her feet, had slurred speech, glassy bloodshot eyes, and appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance.
Hoskins was served with two outstanding Laurel District Court bench warrants for allegedly failing to appear in court on separate cases involving child support and charges of public intoxication and contempt of court.
Key Takeaways
- Hoskins is charged with first-degree wanton endangerment, theft by unlawful taking, third-degree assault on a police officer, and menacing
- The 91-year-old victim was left stranded inside his disabled vehicle with the keys removed from the ignition
- Heat index at the time of the incident reached 101 degrees
- Hoskins allegedly struck Deputy Cyruss McVey during her arrest
- She had two outstanding bench warrants for failing to appear in court on child support and public intoxication cases
What's Next
Hoskins was booked into the Laurel County Correctional Center, where she is being held on a $10,000 cash-only bond. She is scheduled to appear in Laurel County court to face the charges. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.