JOHNSON COUNTY —A driver involved in a deadly wrong-way crash that occurred just before 3:30a.m. Sunday in Johnson County has been charged with murder.
The Johnson County District Attorney charged Matthew E. Karabas, 27, Monroe, New Jersey with first degree murder, second degree murder, driving under the influence, aggravated battery and fleeing and eluding police.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Jeep Gladiator driven by Karabas was southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 35 just northeast from Edgerton Road.
The Jeep struck a 2024 Freightliner semi driven by Garrido S. Chinea, 29, Kansas City, Missouri, head-on.
A passenger in the Jeep identified as Eric M. Diaz, 22, Melbourne, Florida, was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. EMS transported Karabas to Overland Park Regional Medical Center for treatment of suspected serious injuries. Chinea was not injured. Karabas also was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.
He is due in court on May 1, according to online jail records.
------------
JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 3:30a.m. Sunday in Johnson County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Jeep Gladiator driven by Matthew E. Karabas, 27, Monroe, New Jersey, was southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 35 just northeast from Edgerton Road.
The Jeep struck a 2024 Freightliner semi driven by Garrido S. Chinea, 29, Kansas City, Missouri, head-on.
A passenger in the Jeep identified as Eric M. Diaz, 22, Melbourne, Florida, was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. EMS transported Karabas to Overland Park Regional Medical Center for treatment of suspected serious injuries. Chinea was not injured. Karabas was also not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.