CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice and his wife Cathy are recovering after their Suburban was rear-ended at a stoplight in Beckley.
They are being monitored for injuries but were not taken for medical treatment at the time, according to a statement from the Governor’s Office.
The governor’s State Police security detail was accompanying him and reacted to handle the situation until Beckley City Police could arrive to investigate, according to the statement.
The Justices had just departed Sunset Memorial Park where they had placed flowers on the graves of their parents, according to the Governor’s Office.
They were stopped at an intersection at around 1:10 p.m. when the accident occurred.
The other driver was arrested at the scene. Beckley Police allege Joshua Lucas, 20, was under the influence of marijuana. He was charged with DUI under drugs and cited for failure to maintain control of his vehicle.
“I hate like crazy that this happened but in some ways I’m glad he hit me because if the driver had not hit our Suburban, at the rate of speed he was going on the wet, slick roads, he probably would have traveled through the intersection and broadsided another vehicle,” Justice stated.
He added, “this could have been a tragedy, but this is a far better outcome.”