Police: Driver who caused 5 car pile-up under influence - KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports

Police: Driver who caused 5 car pile-up under influence

Posted: Updated:

JONESBORO, AR (KAIT) – Jonesboro Police now say the driver who began the chain reaction resulting in a five car pileup was under the influence of Hydrocodone or Oxycontin.

Investigators say Phillip Gatling, 48, of Jonesboro, passed out while driving but didn't know why. They said he also mentioned that he had taken a prescription medication given to him by his doctor around 4 a.m. the same day, but couldn't remember what the medication was.

The accident happened Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of Southwest Drive and Parker Road.

Police say one witness told them that he saw Gatling drift over into the oncoming lane and strike the concrete barrier on the east side of the bridge before coming back across the road into the southbound lanes striking the vehicles in front of him.

None of the drivers were injured. The intersection of Southwest Drive and Parker Road was blocked for about 30 minutes while crews worked to move the damaged cars.  

Gatling consented to a BAC test, drug evaluation, and subimission of a blood sample before being released to responsible party.

Copyright 2012 KAIT. All rights reserved.