Pedestrian killed in NKY identified; driver charged with manslaughter, DUI

FLORENCE, Ky. (WXIX) - A pedestrian is dead in a Northern Kentucky crash and a driver faces charges of manslaughter and driving under the influence, police say.

It was reported in Florence a few minutes after 11:15 p.m. Wednesday on Dixie Highway just south of Industrial Road.

A preliminary investigation determined a gray Dodge Caravan that was northbound on Dixie Highway hit the victim as he tried to cross the road, according to Florence police.

Charles Serra, 78, of Elsmere, died at the scene, according to the Boone County Coroner’s Office.

The driver, identified by police as Kelly Schulze of Columbus, was taken into custody on a charge of manslaughter and “DUI with aggravating circumstances,” police said in a prepared statement early Thursday.

According to the police report, Schulze told the responding officer that she hit something, but did not know what it was before stopping.

The officer stated that Schulze had slurred speech and that she smelled of alcohol, the report said.

The passenger who was riding with Schulze told Florence police that they came from the American Legion in Walton and had been drinking before leaving, the report mentioned.

Schulze also told police she had two Jack Daniels drinks with coke and one shot in each, the citation said.

She was taken to the Boone County Detention Center.

The Florence Police Accident Reconstruction Team is continuing to investigate.

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