An Adair County man was seriously injured after wrecking an allegedly stolen vehicle from the Russell County Transfer Station on Old Sano Rd Saturday evening.

James Whittaker, 18, of Columbia was driving the stolen 2005 Chevrolet pickup when he lost control of the vehicle which then left the road and struck a tree head-on, according to authorities.

Whittaker was taken to the Russell County Hospital where he was then airlifted to the U.K. Medical Center for treatment.

A police report by State Trooper Adam Likins said Whittaker was believed to be impaired and was not belted at the time of the crash.  Criminal charges are pending, police said.

"It was locked up behind chain link fence.  They cut the lock then closed the gate back with a bungy cord,” Judge-Executive Gary Robertson said of the truck. “He will definately be charged with breaking and entering and grand theft auto at least."

Russell County Sheriff's Deputies Lee Smith and Nick Bertram assisted Likins at the scene.

The Russell Springs Fire Department and Russell County EMS also responded.

The 2005 Chevy Pickup was the truck used by the road crew leader and was the best truck in the road department, Robertson said.

"I don't know how much damage but it was quite a bit, an adjuster is looking at it now," he said.