A 47 year old Smithville man is charged with leaving the scene of an accident and reckless driving after being involved in two traffic accidents Wednesday morning.
According to Corporal Travis Bryant of the Smithville Police Department, Douglas Ferrell was traveling in the outside eastbound lane on Broad Street in a 1994 Mercury when he crossed over into the inside eastbound lane and sideswiped a 2003 Nissan Sentra, driven by 23 year old Macy Nokes of Smithville, who was traveling east. The accident occurred near the high school.
Corporal Bryant said Ferrell failed to stop due to the accident and continued driving eastbound.
According to Police, Central Dispatch reported receiving calls from witnesses who saw the car traveling recklessly at speeds up to 70 miles and hour and weaving in and out of his lane.
Smithville Police Officer Matt Farmer said the second accident occurred near B & G Supply as Ferrell, still traveling east, crossed all lanes and went off the left side of the highway, crashing into a utility pole. Both Ferrell and his wife 42 year old Angel, a passenger, were taken by DeKalb EMS to DeKalb Community Hospital.
The crash remains under investigation.
Ferrell’s wife phoned WJLE Wednesday afternoon to explain that Mr. Ferrell suffered a medical condition ” a seizure” while driving which was the reason for the erratic driving and the cause of the accidents.
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