Updated 5:16 PM Friday, June 25, 2010
MIDDLETOWN — An investigation into a 7-year-old girl struck by a vehicle today, June 25, led to five arrests in a prostitution sting.
Cary Ty Lawson of Middletown struck the child, a witness said, after dropping off a prostitute in the 1800 block of Carroll Avenue, authorities said. He then improperly backed up his pickup truck at about 1:30 p.m. today, June 25.
The child was transported to the Atrium Medical Center by the Middletown Division of Fire for treatment.
Lawson was taken to the Middletown jail and charged with improperly backing a motor vehicle and soliciting, police said.
Middletown police then conducted an undercover sting that lasted just more than an hour.
The following people also were arrested, according to police.
• Summer Hipsher was arrested and charged with prostitution and drug abuse at the Mission of Hope, 1732 Central Ave.
• Kristy Marcum was arrested and charged with prostitution and drug abuse at 1st Avenue and Garfield Street.
• Tabitha Taylor was arrested and charged with prostitution and drug abuse at Charles Street and Columbia Avenue.
• Debra Taylor was arrested and charged with prostitution, loitering to engage in prostitution and drug paraphernalia at Curtis Street and Girard Avenue.
All were booked in the Middletown City Jail and are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, June 28.
Earlier this week, police arrested two other Middletown residents for similar activity.
Samantha Stevens of 3101 Omaha Street was charged with two counts of loitering to engage in prostitution on two different days. She is currently in the Middletown City Jail.
Karl Keister was charged with loitering to engage in prostitution, improper turn and seat belt violation. Keister is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, June 30.