Benton Man Arrested in Metropolis Hit and Run

A Benton, KY man was arrested Sunday during an investigation of a hit-and-run crash.

The Metropolis Police Department said the accident occurred on Ferry Street near 4th Street. The suspect's vehicle was described as a silver Nissan Maxima with Kentucky plates.

An officer saw the vehicle pulling into the Big John’s parking lot. The driver, 48-year-old Claude Ellis, got out of the vehicle and refused the officer's commands to stop. He then entered Big John’s, where the officer detained him.

The officer said he  observed signs of intoxication and could smell alcohol on Ellis' breath.

Ellis denied being involved in the crash, but officers said they found evidence at the scene and matched it to his vehicle, as well as paint transferred from the victim’s vehicle.

Ellis was arrested and charged with DUI, leaving the scene of an accident and illegal transportation of open alcohol. He was booked into the Massac County Detention Center.