A Sequoyah County Sheriff ’s deputy was critically injured Thursday night while directing traffic at the scene of a fatal accident on Interstate-40, just a few miles west of Vian.
Deputy Duwaine Chase was assisting Oklahoma Highway Patrol and first responders who were extricating two passengers who were pinned for about an hour from an earlier crash, when he was struck by a vehicle, which then collided with his patrol unit.
Sheriff Larry Lane reported that the incident occurred around 9:40 p.m. as Chase was helping to divert traffic away from the site of the earlier collision involving a 1998 Ford Taurus and a 2014 Cadillac ATS.
Robert Jaramillo, 38, of Coquille, Ore., who was driving the Taurus, reportedly expired at the scene from massive injuries received in the collision.
The driver of the Cadillac, who has yet to be identified as of press time, was transported by Mercy Life-Flight to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, admitted in critical condition with head, trunk internal and leg injuries.
Lane also said the driver of the vehicle that hit Chase narrowly missed a RFPD #1 fire truck and firefighters on the scene.
Chase was airlifted to a Little Rock hospital, where he is being treated for severe injuries and numerous broken bones. His injuries include broken vertebrae in his neck and back, a broken leg in two places, shattered ankle, nine broken ribs, separated sternum, bruised small intestine, liver damage, and other internal bruising. He also has two small brain bleeds, which doctors expect to heal on their own.
Chase has had surgery and faces a long recovery ahead.
This tragic incident follows Chase’s recent return to duty after a significant health battle. Last year at this time, he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous mass from his left foot, which resulted in the amputation of part of his leg. After months of rehabilitation and adapting to a prosthetic limb, Chase was cleared to resume his role in law enforcement.
Sheriff Lane noted that Chase’s determination to return to work, despite the challenges he faced, speaks volumes about his character.
“He probably could have taken medical retirement, but he didn’t,” Lane remarked.
The ongoing investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol seeks to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. The driver of the vehicle that struck Chase was not arrested, and the interstate was closed for more than three hours following the incident.
Support and prayers for Chase’s recovery are pouring in from both local residents and fellow law enforcement officers. He has served with the Sequoyah County Sheriff ’s Office for about three years, earning respect and admiration for his dedication.
The accident is being investigated by Trooper Preston Smith #795 of the Sequoyah County Detachment. Smith is being assisted by Trooper Spencer Schmille #353, Lieutenant Sheldon Dobbs #116, Trooper Jordy Woolsey #981, Trooper Duncan Smith #199 and Trooper Donnie Warlick #499.
Also assisting at the scene were the Sequoyah County Sheriff ’s Office, Vian Police Department, Pafford EMS, and Gore and Vian Fire Departments.
