ATHENS — A wrong-way driver struck an Ohio State Highway Patrol cruiser in a head-on crash late Saturday night on US Route 50 in Athens Township, authorities reported.
The crash occurred around 11:49 p.m. on October 25, 2025, just west of Hooper Road. Christopher Wayne Barker, 47, of Athens, was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of US 50 in a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix when he collided head-on with a westbound OSHP 2021 Dodge Charger driven by Trooper Todd Wallingford.
After hitting the cruiser, Barker’s vehicle continued and struck a 2019 Ford Fiesta operated by 19-year-old Xander Michael Knore of Minford, who was also traveling westbound.
All drivers were wearing seatbelts. Barker was taken to OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Trooper Wallingford was treated at the same hospital for minor injuries and released. Knore was treated on scene for minor injuries.
Authorities say Barker is suspected of being impaired at the time of the crash.
The incident required assistance from the Athens Police Department, Athens County Fire Department, Richland Area Fire Department, Athens County EMS, and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash, and charges are pending.
