UTV Accident Leaves One Injured

Multiple agencies responded to a UTV crash on Thursday on Illinois Highway 1. White County Sheriff deputies reported that the driver of the UTV, Dakota Goodwin, had fled the scene, leaving a victim behind in critical condition. Luckily, Goodwin was apprehended in a treeline east of the crash site. With his license revoked during the incident, Goodwin also had the odor of an alcoholic beverage on him, as reported by officers. When asked about the individual in the roadway, Goodwin only offered the name, Kenneth. Authorities later identified the man as Kenneth Merryman, who was life-flighted due to the severity of his injuries. Once Goodwin was transported to the White County Jail, he was given a breath alcohol test, with Goodwin’s BAC level reaching .188. The incident resulted in five citations for Goodwin: DUI, DUI with a BAC greater than .08, Obstructing Justice, Failure to Report an Accident with Personal Injury of a Passenger, and Driving with a Revoked License. According to online court records, he was scheduled for a Preliminary hearing on May 13 at 10 am. The White County Sheriff’s Department, White County Ambulance Service, Norris City First Responders, and Norris City Fire Department all responded to the scene to assist.