On Saturday, March 11, at about 10 p.m., Barton County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported injury accident on SE 70th Road and SE 100th Avenue.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered a 1999 Chevrolet S-10 pickup, red in color, overturned in the west ditch. Deputies also discovered a 40-year-old male, who is a paraplegic, stranded in the vehicle. The driver had fled the scene prior to the deputies arrival. Investigation at the scene indicated the vehicle was traveling eastbound on SE 70th Road and failed to negotiate the curve at SE 100th Avenue.
While the Barton County Sheriff’s deputies were on the scene, a Kansas Highway Patrol unit as well as Stafford County deputies located the driver approximately ¼ mile away from the accident. The driver was identified as Wendell Akins, age 63 of Ellinwood. Akins had a broken clavicle as well as lacerations to the head and various abrasions. Akins and the passenger were transported to Ellinwood District Hospital.
Akins had a suspended driver’s license at the time of the accident. Alcohol is suspected as a contributing factor. Various charges are pending.