Arkansas City man cited after striking train with pickup truck

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Arkansas City Police Department cited an Arkansas City man Monday night in connection with an accident involving his pickup truck and a train.

Darin Jake Pinion, 35, was cited for failure to obey a railroad crossing signal, failure of duty to report an accident or render aid, no proof of insurance and reckless driving.

Officers responded about 7:02 p.m. Monday for a report of a vehicle that had been struck by a train in the 1000 block of South F Street. They learned the northbound vehicle actually had struck the train.

The tan 2012 Chevrolet pickup truck was traveling at a “high rate of speed” when it struck the train, which was westbound on the tracks and traveling about 5 mph.

The train crew reported warning lights and signals were operational at the time of the accident.

The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Pinion, allegedly fled the scene on foot, according to the train crew, who had made contact with him before he left. Based on the vehicle’s registration information, officers began to search the area and contact known family members.

After about an hour of searching, Pinion was located at his residence east of Arkansas City. He was interviewed regarding the accident and citations were issued through Arkansas City Municipal Court.

Because of the circumstances between the time of the accident and the time Pinion was located, no tests were administered, but police suspect alcohol was a contributing factor to the accident.

No injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed away from the scene and the train was removed by the crew.

A defendant’s guilt or innocence is to be determined by a court of law.