MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police said a man has been charged after a car crash at Overton Park on December 19 where detectives responded to a Dodge Challenger that left the road.
Police said that James Kilpatrick was driving a 2019 Challenger that struck several trees and lost a tire inside Overton Park, driving about 75 yards off the road.
Memphis Police responded to the crash Sunday morning after several concerned citizens called in about a gray Dodge Challenger missing a tire and parts of its front bumper outside the Memphis Zoo entrance.
According to records, Memphis Police said that when asked, Kilpatrick could not explain how his car ended up inside the middle of the park, wrecked.
Police said that officers noted glazed eyes and a moderate scent of alcohol on his breath. Police said they asked Kilpatrick if he’d been drinking, and he responded that he was merely “tired” and had not been drinking.
Police said that while conducting an inventory of the vehicle before it was towed, they found two bottles of clear alcohol in the car. Officers said one bottle was 1/4 full and the other was 1/2 full.
MPD said Kilpatrick is facing charges of driving under the influence, open container violation, public intoxication and reckless driving.
Kilpatrick’s bond information has not been posted yet. His next court date is set for December 20.
WREG will update as more information becomes available.