U.S. Highway 83 Accident

On July 10, 2017 at 4:25 p.m., Deputies were advised of a multi-vehicle injury accident on U.S. Highway 83 near mile marker 101 (around 15 miles north of North Platte, NE.). Logan County Sheriffs Office and First Responders, Arnold Fire Department, North Platte Rescue and Deputies all responded to the scene.

Deputies discovered a south bound Ford Van driven by thirty-nine year old North Platte resident Koby Cooper crossed the center line. The van struck a northbound Chevrolet S-10 pickup driven by seven-three year old Stapleton, NE resident Florence Lemmer. Ms. Lemmer had a passenger in the pickup, eighty-eight year old Stapleton, NE. resident James Chapman. A northbound semi truck hauling several large plastic containers of Hydrochloric Acid swerved to avoid the accident and dropped a container on the roadway, spilling its contents. The driver of the semi was identified as thirty-five year old Cheyenne, WY resident Todd Stapleton. Mr. Stapleton was not injured in the incident.

Ms. Lemmer, Mr. Chapman and Mr. Cooper all sustained non-life threatening injuries during the accident. All subjects were transported to Great Plains Health for treatment. Two Deputies were exposed to fumes from the truck but remained on scene to work the incident. Hazmat Response was called and cleaned up the spill. U.S. Highway 83 was closed for approximately four hours while the wreckage and chemical was removed.

Deputies suspected Mr. Cooper was under the influence of an unknown narcotic. Mr. Cooper submitted to chemical testing, charges are possible pending test results. The investigation continues.