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A driver in the wrong lane collided head-on with a state trooper near Athens
By: WOUB News Team
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — A driver heading the wrong way on Highway 50 just outside of Athens collided head-on with a state trooper late Saturday night.
The driver, Christopher Barker, 47, of Athens, was hospitalized with serious but non-life threatening injuries. He is suspected of driving while impaired, and an investigation is underway with charges pending, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Trooper Todd Wallingford and Xander Knore, 19, of Minford, whose car was caught up in the accident, were both treated for minor injuries.
At about 11:49 p.m. Saturday, Barker was heading east in a westbound lane of Highway 50 just west of Hooper Road when his Pontiac Grand Prix struck Wallingford’s westbound cruiser, according to OSHP.
After the impact, Barker’s car then struck a Ford Fiesta driven by Knore, who was also heading west.
Barker was taken to O’Bleness Hospital by Athens County EMS. Wallingford was treated at the hospital and released. Knore was treated at the scene.