Two law enforcement officers were involved in unrelated traffic accidents last weekend in Douglas County.
On Saturday morning, Nathan Long, 26, of Vanzant, a deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, was involved in a minor incident involving a pedestrian on the Ava square.
The mishap was originally investigated by the Ava Police Dept., but because it involved a law enforcement officer was turned over to the Missouri State Highway Patrol which released the information report.
Long was traveling east in a 2009 Dodge Charger, the Patrol reported. As the vehicle was turning, Zachary M. Breshears, 5, stepped in front of the vehicle.
The youngster sustained only minor injuries and was treated at the scene by Cox Ambulance personnel.
A Howell County Sheriff’s Department deputy was involved in a one-vehicle wreck in Douglas County at 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3.
The Highway Patrol said John D. Hughston, 23, was traveling north on Douglas County Route AP, 15 miles southwest of Willow Springs, when he failed to negotiate a curve, skidded off the right side of the roadway, traveled down a steep embankment and struck several trees.
Hughston was taken to Ozark Medical Center, West Plains, by Howell County Ambulance, with minor injuries.
The 2005 Ford Crown Victoria patrol car he was driving was totaled, the report said.
The West Plains Quill reported Hughston was on his way to a “life and death” emergency medical call near the Howell-Douglas County line. The Quill reported emergency medical services personnel were at a residence off Highway 76 and could not enter the home due to a problem with dogs.
A man died at that home, the Quill reported, but no other details were given.
