COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A head-on collision involving a wrong-way driver and a state trooper occurred in Athens Township around 11:49 p.m. on Saturday on US Route 50, just west of Hooper Road.
Christopher Wayne Barker, 47, of Athens, was driving eastbound in the westbound lanes when his sedan struck a patrol vehicle operated by Trooper Todd Wallingford. After this initial impact, Barker’s vehicle collided with a sedan driven by Xander Michael Knore, 19, of Minford.
Barker sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital. Trooper Wallingford was treated for minor injuries and released from the same facility. Knore received treatment at the scene for a minor injury and was also released.
Authorities suspect that Barker may have been impaired at the time of the crash. All drivers were reported to be wearing seatbelts.
Assisting at the scene were the Athens Police Department, Athens County Fire Department, Richland Area Fire Department, Athens County EMS, and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
The investigation is ongoing, and charges are pending.