SAND SPRINGS, Okla. — A Sand Springs man was arrested for first-degree manslaughter and driving under the influence after a deadly two-vehicle crash on Thursday night at the Keystone Dam.
Michael Wade Cochran, 51, was treated at a hospital for leg injuries, then booked into the Tulsa County Jail after midnight. Investigating troopers say Cochran smelled like alcohol and admitted to drinking and smoking meth before the crash.
A crash report says 68-year-old James Lara, of Sand Springs, was pronounced dead on scene.
The crash took place about 7:30 p.m. near U.S. Highway 412 on Highway 151 over the dam. A report says witnesses told troopers Cochran crossed the center line and was completely in the other lane when he hit Lara head on.
Cochran told troopers he smoked meth the prior morning, drank a beer at noon, then drank another one while at the Osage Casino after work that evening. Cochran said he was on his way home from the casino when the collision happened.
Authorities administered the state's blood test at the hospital and have submitted it for forensics review by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to determine the level of possible intoxicants in Cochran's system.
"Cochran believed that the other vehicle drove into his lane and he swerved to avoid a collision," the report says. " Cochran also surmised that the other vehicle may have pulled from another road into his lane causing the collision."
OHP had to close State Highway 151, which connects State HIghway 51 to U.S. Highway 412. Traffic was shut down in both directions while the investigation took place.
According to the report, both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
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