OHP Give Message After Drastic Increase In Wrong-Way Accidents

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is investigating a streak of wrong way collision that have killed at least five people in the last month.

Trooper Lisa Jorgenson told News 9 on her overnight shift she has seen a drastic increase of wrong way driver calls. 

"They are very hard to get stopped," said Trooper Jorgensen. "We can't just chase them down the wrong way because we don't want to hit somebody head on as well."

In just five weeks, she's responded to four wrong way collisions.

"Every single one of them we believed alcohol was involved as a causation in the crash," said Trooper Jorgensen. 

The most recent crash happened last weekend near El Reno and killed four people, including a young girl.

"You just have to mentally prepare yourself for that and investigate the collision and make sure the people responsible are held responsible," she said. 

"Every case is different we do have our THU, Traffic Homicide Unit, that investigates those," said Trooper Mystal Perkins. "But yes we have charged one with murder two."

Less than three weeks ago OHP arrested Malcolm Penney for allegedly hitting and killing 19-year-old UCO student Marissa Murrow.

OHP said he has an extensive history with DUI's, and he's now facing multiple complaints including one for second degree murder.

"I know if you go out you're like oh I'll just have one drink or too," said Trooper Perkins. "Be realistic about what your plans are."

Now troopers are urging drivers to not drink and drive.

"It's not worth risking your life or somebody else's life," said Trooper Jorgensen.