State vehicle fatalities for January 5-11

Published 6:00 am Wednesday, January 14, 2026

There were 3 fatalities on Arkansas roads and highways last week, bringing the total to 4 so far for 2026.

• Jason Dotson, 47 of Dover, was killed and Anthoney Level Hale, 47 of Benton, was injured in a three-vehicle accident that occurred on Monday, January 5, in Pope County.

A 2024 Chevy Malibu, driven by Dotson, was east bound in west bound lane of I-40. A 2015 Volvo Semi observed the Malibu traveling the wrong way and steered right to avoid the Malibu. The Malibu struck the rear of the Semi. The Malibu then traveled in the inside lane and struck a 2025 International, driven by Hale, head on.

The accident happened at 10:38 p.m. on Monday. The weather was clear, and the road condition was dry.

• Jeri Winiecki, 43 of Hot Springs, was killed and Ryan Winiecki, 18 of Hot Springs, Ricky Smith, 48 of Leola, Sonya Brown, 47 of Carthage, and Gordon Barner, 46 of Pine Bluff, were injured in a two-vehicle accident that occurred on Thursday, January 8, in Hot Spring County.

A 2010 Cadillac, driven by Smith, with Brown, and Barner as passengers, crossed the center lane and struck a 2025 Buick, with Jeri driving and Ryan as passenger. The Buick left the roadway and overturned.

The accident happened at 3:26 p.m. on Tuesday. The weather was cloudy, and the road condition was wet.

• Samuel Gutierrez, 22 of Texarkana, was killed in a three-vehicle accident that occurred on Friday, January 9, in Miller County.

A 2004 Yamaha lost control and collided with a cable barrier.

The accident happened at 4:31 p.m. on Friday. The weather was clear, and the road condition was dry.