Feb 15, 2022

Sheriff: Kan. teen reached for water just before rear-end crash

Posted Feb 15, 2022 4:38 PM
The Altima sustained major front-end damage in the wreck. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office
The Altima sustained major front-end damage in the wreck. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY- A Kansas woman was injured when her vehicle was rear-ended on Interstate 135 near Assaria Monday evening.

According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan,  a 2015 Nissan Altima driven by Jayden Norwood, 18, of Salina, was southbound on Interstate 135 near the Assaria exit, when he looked down to pick up a water bottle.

When he looked up, his vehicle was quickly bearing down on a 2021 Toyota RAV4 ahead of him. Soldan said that at the time, Norwood was using the car's cruise control and was not able to stop before rear-ending the RAV4.

The accident occurred at 7 p.m. Monday near milepost 82 on I-135.

<b>Damage to the RAV4.</b>
Damage to the RAV4.

Anita Neilson, 61, of Lindsborg, the driver of the RAV4, complained of general pain and was transported to Salina Regional Health Center.

Norwood was cited for following too closely, Soldan said.

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