BOND REDUCTION DENIED ARNOLDSBURG MAN, DUI CASE RESULTING IN DEATH - Hunter Held On $250,000 Bond

(01/14/2017)
UPDATE 1/13/2017 - A bond request by an attorney has been denied by Judge Craig Tatterson, related to the Roane vehicular death of 56-year-old Rick Thomas of Millstone, occurring in November 2016.

Charged in the death of Thomas is Paul H. Hunter, 23, of Arnoldsburg.

Hunter's vehicle struck a motorbike driven by Thomas.

Hunter has been held in jail with a $250,000 bond, with Hunter's attorney seeking a bond reduction to $100,000.

Police said Hunter admitted to using meth and smoking pot the day of the accident.

Nov. 26, 2016 - A Millstone, Calhoun man, died on November 18, killed when he was struck on his motorcycle on US 33/119 on Bowers Hill near Spencer.

Rick Thomas, 56, was headed toward Spencer near Slate Rd. when he was struck by a car driven by Paul H. Hunter Jr., 23, of Arnoldsburg, according to Spencer Newspapers.

Hunter was arrested by Roane Sheriff Todd Cole, who told media that Hunter appeared to be "tweeking" on meth.

He was charged with DUI resulting in death, DUI causing serious injury, failure to maintain control, passing in the face of oncoming traffic, and passing in a no passing zone.

Hunter was arraigned by Roane Magistrate Jason Bennett and was taken to Central Regional Jail with bond set at $250,000.

The sheriff's department said Hunter admitted to using meth about one hour before the accident, in addition to smoking marijuana.