A two-vehicle accident near Arnold last week sent one person to the hospital with possible injuries. According to the accident report from the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, Kevin Appleton 48 of Joplin, MO, was driving a 2020 Kenworth semi-truck with a trailer east on Highway 92 just east of Arnold River Road when he was struck by a 2007 Chevrolet pickup driven by 44-year-old Tyson Boutin of Ord.
According to the report, on Tuesday, October 20 at approximately 5:45 AM, the pickup crossed the center line and collided with the semi-truck causing damage to the front left fender. The semi-truck slowed and eventually came to a stop, while the pickup continued across the eastbound land and into the ditch. The pickup also caused damage to barbed wire and two fence posts after entering the ditch.
The driver of the semi told the investigating officer that the semi was equipped with a dash camera that had recorded the entire accident. After review, the officer was able to verify the pickup had crossed the center line and struck the semi.
The driver of the pickup was taken to Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte by Arnold EMS with possible injuries to his shoulder and/or upper arm.
The semi-truck sustained damage that was estimated at $10,000 while the pickup had damage that exceeded $20,000 and was listed as totaled. The fence posts and barbed wire that was damaged in the crash was estimated to cost around $200.
The Custer County Sheriff’s Office, Arnold Fire and Rescue, Hunter’s Towing and Repair, and Trumbil Towing responded to the accident.
Citations were not issued to the driver of the semi-truck, but a citation is listed as pending for the driver of the pickup.
Drugs are suspected as a factor in the crash.
