TOWN OF SALEM -- Officials say four people were injured, one very seriously Saturday, June 9th on State Highway 50. Officials say a westbound truck swerved to avoid a vehicle that was slowing or stopped, driving through the grass median and striking an eastbound vehicle.
Officials arrested the truck's driver, 58-year-old Byron Baker of Kenosha for the following:
Baker sustained minor injuries and was treated and released from Aurora Hospital.
The adult driver and two young children (ages two and four) in the vehicle were injured in the crash.
The driver was treated and released from St. Catherine’s Hospital.
The two year old was transported to St. Catherine’s Hospital and then transferred to Children’s Hospital by rescue squad. The two-year-old was treated in the emergency department at Children’s Hospital and released.
The four-year-old received a very serious head injury and was taken by Flight for Life to Children’s Hospital. As of 5:00 PM Sunday, June 10th, the four year old was still in critical condition.
Officials say both children were properly restrained in child safety seats at the time of the accident.
Officials say Baker apparently was distracted while he was driving by an event taking place at the Bumper to Bumper store on 75th St. When he turned his attention back to the road, he swerved to avoid a car slowing and almost stopped in the road in front of him.
Baker does not possess a valid driver’s license and had a valid commitment for operating a vehicle after suspension.
Baker did not appear to be impaired and voluntarily submitted to a blood test, however, a marijuana pipe was found in Baker’s truck.