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

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