A Laurel County woman is facing multiple felony charges after deputies say she left a 91-year-old man trapped inside a disabled vehicle during dangerous heat, all because he refused to buy her cigarettes.
What Happened in London, Kentucky
According to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, 37-year-old Nikki Reed Hoskins was arrested Thursday after deputies responded to a 911 call from a passerby. The caller reported that an elderly man had been left alone inside a vehicle on the side of the road in London.
When deputies arrived, they found the 91-year-old man still sitting inside the car. Investigators say Hoskins had taken the keys with her, leaving the vehicle inoperable while the man remained stuck inside with no way to leave.
The victim told deputies that Hoskins became upset when he would not buy her cigarettes. She reportedly walked away from the vehicle and went back to her nearby home, leaving him behind.
At the time, the heat index in the area was around 101 degrees, creating conditions that authorities say could have turned deadly for the elderly man had he not been found in time.
Arrest and Charges Filed
After learning what happened, deputies went to Hoskins’ home to question her. She reportedly refused to come outside and answer the door. Once deputies discovered she had outstanding warrants, they forced entry into the home and found her hiding in a bedroom.
While deputies were taking her into custody, they say Hoskins struck one of the officers. Investigators also noted that she appeared to be under the influence at the time of her arrest.
Hoskins now faces several charges connected to the incident, including first-degree wanton endangerment, theft by unlawful taking, third-degree assault of a police officer, and menacing. She was also booked on two separate outstanding warrants, one tied to a failure to appear in court on a child support case and another related to public intoxication.
Hoskins was taken to the Laurel County Correctional Center following her arrest.
Fortunately, the elderly man was safely removed from the vehicle once deputies arrived on scene. Authorities credit the passerby who called 911 with helping prevent a much more serious outcome, given how quickly extreme heat can become life-threatening for someone trapped inside a car.
The case remains active, and it is unclear at this time what the exact relationship is between Hoskins and the victim. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office.
