Three injured in morning wreck

LISA HOBBS

News Editor

Distracted driving was likely the cause of a wreck with injury this morning at the intersection of Sparta Highway and Cadillac Lane.

“She said she thought the light was green,” said McMinnville Police Officer Maggi Fann, of the UCARTS driver. “I spoke with a witness following behind the UCARTS van. She advised that the light was red.”

The driver, Dana Pittard, 38, was issued a citation for running a red light.

Upon entering the intersection traveling eastbound, the van struck a RAM 1500 driven by George Whiles, 59, of Smithville. He had pulled from the parking lot of Champion Chevrolet and was taking a left turn onto Sparta.

Given the damage to the side of the truck, the impact was a T-Bone wreck, or broadside collision.

“The impact spun the truck around,” said Fann.

Both drivers, as well as an unidentified passenger in the van, were transported to Ascension Saint Thomas River Park for treatment of unknown injuries.