DUI Suspected In Three-Vehicle Accident In Craig County

Driving under the influence is the suspected cause of a three-vehicle injury accident near Vinita, Sunday afternoon.

According to the highway patrol report, 44-year-old Joe Slay of Bentonville, Ark. was driving a 2001 Toyota Camry westbound on US highway 60 just after 1:30 p.m. Sunday when he crossed the centerline, possibly due to impairment, and struck a 2006 Ford Escape driven by Tracy Parham, 45, of Afton, Okla.

Slay's vehicle continued westbound striking a third vehicle, a 2003 Ford Explorer driven by 36-year old Stephanie Kohl of Vinita, Okla.

Slay was pinned in his vehicle for approximately 20 minutes before being freed by the Vinita Fire Department using the ‘Jaws of Life'. He was taken to Craig County General Hospital and later transferred to St. John's Hospital in Tulsa where he is listed in serious condition.

Parham was treated at the scene and released. Kohl and two passengers, Ryan Kohl, 11, and Ethan Kohl, 6, were not injured in the accident.