BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an injury accident that occurred just after 10p.m. Saturday and involved a driver with a history of driving under the influence.
According to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir, a 1999 Chevy S-10 pickup driven by 63-year-old Wendell Akins of Ellinwood was eastbound on SE 70th Road and failed to negotiate a curve at SE 100th Avenue. The pickup overturned in the west ditch.
First responders found a 40-year-old man, who is a paraplegic, stranded in the vehicle. The driver had fled the scene prior to the deputies arrival, according to Bellendir.
While the Barton County Sheriff’s deputies were on the scene, a Kansas Highway Patrol unit as well as Stafford County deputies located Akins approximately ¼ mile away from the accident.
Akins had a broken clavicle as well as lacerations to the head and various abrasions. EMS transported Akins and the passenger to Ellinwood District Hospital.
Akins had a suspended driver’s license at the time of the accident, according to Bellendir. Alcohol is suspected as a contributing factor. Akins has four or more previous convictions for driving under the influence and one for driving while suspended, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.