LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Louisville man has been charged with murder after police said he was driving under the influence when his car hit a motorcycle on South 3rd Street Tuesday night.
According to an arrest citation, witnesses said 63-year-old Carl Maertz did not yield the right of way to a motorcyclist when he turned left on the 7900 block of South 3rd Street Road at around 8:45 p.m.
The motorcycle hit the front of his vehicle and the operator, 52-year-old Gregory Scott Ray, was thrown off the motorcycle. Ray was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers who responded to the scene said they smelled alcohol on Maertz's breath, though he said he had not had any alcoholic beverages. Police said Maertz's speech was slurred, his eyes were glassy and his feet were unsteady.
A preliminary breath test showed a presence of alcohol, and Maertz said he had one beer and was on several medications. During a field sobriety test, officers said he failed to maintain balance and position.
Maertz was charged with murder, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and reckless driving. He was arraigned Wednesday morning, and his bond was set at $100,000 cash.
What other people are reading on whas11.com:
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.
