Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Driver charged in I-30 fatality

Gary Torrey, 49, of Reno, Nev., has been charged with leaving the scene of a traffic fatality in connection with the death of Melissa Patterson, 25.

Patterson was killed after being struck by a tractor-trailer rig Saturday, Nov. 15, near exit 44 at Interstate-30 east.

Torrey, a driver for U.S. Express, reportedly told a witness he had hit a deer after stopping near the on ramp at exit 44. He then continued driving and was arrested in St. Marys, Mo.

The Nevada County Sheriff's Office was the first law enforcement agency notified of the accident, and officials with the NCSO called the Prescott Police Department. The Arkansas State Police were also notified of the accident.

Patterson, a resident of the Split Rail care facility, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Nevada County Coroner.

A witness gave officers the description of the truck he had seen shortly after Patterson had been hit. The witness talked to the driver, according to reports, and saw what he believed to be evidence on the truck.

Initially officers were unable to locate the truck after obtaining this information, but the semi was found at a truck stop in St. Marys. The ASP contacted the Missouri Highway Patrol, who placed Torrey under arrest.

According to PPD Chief Sam Reeder, the MPH did a follow-up investigation of the driver and his rig.

An affidavit warrant for Torrey's arrest was issued for leaving the scene of a fatality accident.

Patterson's body was sent to the Arkansas State Medical Examiner for an autopsy.

Leaving the scene of a fatal accident is a class D felony punishable by up to six years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

Torrey made his first appearance Wednesday, Nov. 19, and was released on a $5,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 12, 2004.