By Krista Duhon
news@joplinglobe.com
MIAMI, Okla. – A Missouri truck driver facing 10 counts of negligent homicide turned himself in to authorities Wednesday.
Donald L. Creed, 76, entered a plea of innocent in Ottawa County District Court, according to court records. Creed’s bond was set Monday at $20,000. Ottawa County Undersheriff Bob Ernst said Creed posted bond and was released.
Creed is represented by Paul Brunton, a defense attorney with the Tulsa firm of Morrel Soffa Craige. On Creed’s behalf, Brunton filed an entry of appearance in the case and reserved further time to enter a plea.
On June 26, the Willard, Mo., truck driver was behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer rig owned by Associated Wholesale Grocers when he allegedly failed to stop or slow down for congested traffic on Interstate 44 in Ottawa County.
Ottawa County District Attorney Eddie Wyant on Monday formally charged Creed with the series of negligent homicide counts after having reviewed investigative reports from the seven-vehicle accident that killed 10 people.
According to investigators, Creed’s tractor-trailer rig struck the rear of a Land Rover, causing a chain reaction of events.
Attempts to reach Brunton for comment were unsuccessful, as were attempts to contact a representative of Associated Wholesale Grocers.
Court date
Donald Creed’s next court date currently scheduled in Ottawa County District Court is April 6, 2010.
