Ponca City resident dies in fatality collision in Pottawatomie County

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported that a fatality collision occurred at about 10:07 p.m. Friday on US 177, approximately one-tenth of a mile north of Westech Road, which is about 4 miles northwest of Shawnee, OK in Pottawatomie County, OK.

The patrol said the accident involved a 1998 Flatbed Wrecker which was parked in the roadway, unoccupied.

The second vehicle involved was a 1995 Ford F250 driven by Harvey Pruett, 81 of Ponca City, OK. He was pronounced dead on the scene by REACT EMS. He was transported by Alpha & Omega Funeral Home to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Oklahoma City, OK.

The Highway Patrol’s report stated that the Flatbed Wrecker was parked in the roadway attempting to divert traffic for a previous collision that had occurred and was blocking the roadway. Preuett’s vehicle struck the Flatbed Wrecker. Pruett was pinned for approximately 30 minutes. Airbags were not deployed. The report indicates that further details, such as the use of seatbelts, the condition of the driver, and the cause of the collision are still under investigation.

Investigated by Shayne Ballard #249 of the Traffic Homicide Unit. Assisted by Lt. Kyle Winrow #74 of Troop R, Trooper Matt Snyder #828 of Pottawatomie County detachment of Troop A, Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office, Kickapoo Tribal Police, and Shawnee Fire Department.

This report is based on the troopers investigation of this collision, it may contain the opinion of the trooper.