Two19 Year Olds Involved In Accident

Newport police responded to a 2 vehicle accident on West Hwy 25-70 early Thursday morning near Goddard Real Estate & Auction. According to police, a 2015 Kia Soul driven by George Barnikel was traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed when he ran into the back of a 2005 Toyota driven by Randy Grooms. The impact pushed both vehicles off the right side of the roadway and over the curb causing both vehicles to roll over. Both vehicles were on their top when police arrived. Barnikel who is 19 had a 19 year old passenger, Carlos Amaya in his vehicle, both were under the influence of alcohol. Barnikel stated that the pair had been in Knoxville at a strip club and were bought drinks. Both were charged with juvenile deliquency…Barnikel was also charged with DUI and failure to exercise due care.