One hospitalized; illegal drug use suspected
A 19-year-old Cordell man was involved in an injury accident on Interstate 40 Tuesday night, reportedly resulting from illegal drugs.
According to the report issued by Trooper Pate Gossen of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Kolby Rivera was driving a 2015 Dodge Charger westbound on the interstate and rear-ended a 1994 Chevy S-10 pickup being driven by 53-year-old Timothy Wittmeyer. Wittmeyer’s vehicle then departed the roadway and rolled an undetermined number of times before catching fire. Rivera’s vehicle also rolled an undetermined number of times before coming to rest in the inside lane of the highway.
Wittmeyer was airlifted to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, where he is currently listed in good condition. He was reportedly not wearing his safety belt at the time of the accident.
Both Rivera and the 21-year-old passenger in his vehicle were treated and released at Great Plains Medical Center in Elk City. Both were reportedly wearing their safety belts.
The report lists the condition of Rivera as “illegal drugs.”
As of 8:00 a.m. Monday, April 13, no charges had been filed in Beckham County District Court.