Towing accident leaves Fort Scott man in serious condition

Thursday, January 25, 2007

According to the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, a 71-year-old Fort Scott man was accidentally struck and run over on 205th Street Wednesday by a vehicle driven by his son.

Shortly after 8 a.m., Charles Colvin and his son, Brian Colvin, 34, were trying to get a truck unstuck from ice and snow buildup at his driveway at 1272 205th St., Bourbon County deputy sheriffs said.

Officials said the accident occurred after they got the Chevrolet truck unstuck. A second Chevrolet truck, which was used to pull the other truck out, was moved onto 205th St., directly in front of the house. A vehicle was headed south on 205th, so the younger Colvin got into the truck to move it out of the roadway, deputy sheriffs said. Meanwhile, officials said, the elder Colvin crouched down in front of the truck to unfasten a tow rope attached to the front bumper. Brian, unaware his father was in front of the vehicle, ran over Charles, then put the vehicle in reverse and backed over him, according to deputy sheriffs.

Deputy sheriffs said Charles was coherent when first-responders were attending to him, but suffered possible injuries to his head, hand and leg. He was rushed to Mercy Heath Center and later to St. John's Regional Medical Center in Joplin, Mo., where a hospital spokesman said he was listed in serious condition as of Wednesday evening.