US Highway 77 / Two Vehicle Injury Accident

DATE: Sunday, October 29, 2017 @ 0620        

LOCATION: US Highway 77 near W. Buckeye Road        

OFFENSE: Two Vehicle Injury Accident

CASE: 2017-5946            

One person injured in a two-vehicle accident on US Highway 77 near W. Buckeye Road, Sunday morning.

On Sunday, October 29, 2017, at approximately 06:20 hours, the Gage County Sheriff’s Office, along with Cortland and Clatonia Volunteer Fire and Rescue Departments, were dispatched to a two-vehicle injury accident just north of W. Buckeye Road on US Highway 77.

The accident investigation revealed a 2003 Ford Explorer driven by Edward Meinke (35) of Beatrice was southbound in the northbound lane on US Highway 77 when he struck a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup.  The driver of the pickup, Michael Mays (31) of Clatonia was attempting to warn Meinke he was on the wrong side of the highway.

When Mays observed Meinke’s vehicle traveling south in the northbound lane, he pulled his truck into a crossover to warn the driver he was on the wrong side of the highway.  Meinke collided/T-Boned Mays at the crossover.

Mays refused medical treatment, while Meinke was transported to Beatrice Community Hospital for chest pains and a blood draw.

Restraints in use.  Both passenger and driver side airbags deployed in both vehicle.  Alcohol is suspected to be a contributing factor.

Sheriff Millard "Gus" Gustafson #903

Deputy Rob Sandersfeld #9032