Barry County Sheriff Dept. patrol vehicle totaled in crash near Purdy
July 17, 2019
Charlea Estes-Jones
A Barry County Sheriff's Department vehicle was totaled in a crash with a tractor near Purdy on Monday, July 15. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report, the incident occurred around 10:40 p.m. on Route B about half a mile west of Purdy.
The crash report states a 1987 John Deere Tractor, driven by a 16 year old*, of Purdy, was headed eastbound, while Barry County Sheriff Officer Alvin D. Zabala, 46, of Pierce City, was headed westbound in a 2017 Ford Explorer patrol unit.
Major Leonard Collins, chief deputy of the Barry County Sheriff's Department, said, "[The tractor driver] was pulling a mower that was over the center line. According to Deputy Zabala, his vision was blinded by the lights on the tractor and couldn't see the mower behind the tractor."
The patrol unit was totaled as a result of the crash, and Zabala suffered minor injuries. He was transported to Mercy Hospital in Cassville for his injuries.
The minor driving the tractor had no reported injuries at the time of the crash.
Zabala was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The minor was not wearing any kind of safety device.
Collins said, "He had some minor injuries and was treated and released." He added that Zabala is expected to make a full recovery.
The patrol unit was towed from the scene by Brice's Towing, of Cassville. The tractor sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.
*Note: It is the policy of the Barry County Advertiser not to release the names of minors involved in non-fatal motor vehicle and boating crashes/incidents, even if the minor's name is of public record.
Charlea Estes-Jones
A Barry County Sheriff's Department vehicle was totaled in a crash with a tractor near Purdy on Monday, July 15. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report, the incident occurred around 10:40 p.m. on Route B about half a mile west of Purdy.
The crash report states a 1987 John Deere Tractor, driven by a 16 year old*, of Purdy, was headed eastbound, while Barry County Sheriff Officer Alvin D. Zabala, 46, of Pierce City, was headed westbound in a 2017 Ford Explorer patrol unit.
Major Leonard Collins, chief deputy of the Barry County Sheriff's Department, said, "[The tractor driver] was pulling a mower that was over the center line. According to Deputy Zabala, his vision was blinded by the lights on the tractor and couldn't see the mower behind the tractor."
The patrol unit was totaled as a result of the crash, and Zabala suffered minor injuries. He was transported to Mercy Hospital in Cassville for his injuries.
The minor driving the tractor had no reported injuries at the time of the crash.
Zabala was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The minor was not wearing any kind of safety device.
Collins said, "He had some minor injuries and was treated and released." He added that Zabala is expected to make a full recovery.
The patrol unit was towed from the scene by Brice's Towing, of Cassville. The tractor sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.
*Note: It is the policy of the Barry County Advertiser not to release the names of minors involved in non-fatal motor vehicle and boating crashes/incidents, even if the minor's name is of public record.
