West Plains, MO. – An intoxicated driver caused a head-on collision that sent three people to the hospital Wednesday afternoon. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol report, the crash occurred at 1:40 p.m. on Highway J, 5.5 miles south of Hardenville on February 22, 2023.
A southbound 2007 Nissan Quest driven by Arthur Acklin, age 42 of Clarkridge, Arkansas, crossed the centerline on a hill and struck a 2012 Toyota Tundra driven by Edward Grayden, age 63 of Zanoni.
Grayden suffered minor injuries and his passenger, Christina Grayden, age 60, as well as Acklin, suffered moderate injuries. The Graydens were taken by Ozark County Ambulance to Baxter Regional Hospital in Mountain Home for treatment.
Acklin was charged with Felony Driving While Intoxicated – Physical Injury, Driving While Revoked, and Careless and Imprudent Driving Resulting in an Accident before being released for medical treatment.
All involved had been wearing a safety device.
