A suspect has been arrested after causing a six vehicle accident on Thursday morning, officials say.
According to the Amarillo Police Department, officers were advised at 12:30am on Thursday of a 2012 GMC U-Haul van that was west of town, travelling eastbound in the westbound lanes at a high rate of speed. Deputies from the Potter County Sheriff's Office were looking for the vehicle as it approached Amarillo.
At 12:36am, the U-Haul was seen going eastbound in the westbound lanes of Interstate 40 under the Bell Street bridge. An APD officer was westbound and observed the van. The officer slowed down to avoid the van when the 2011 Ford Crown Victoria he was driving was struck by a Potter County Deputy driving a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe.
The suspect continued driving as the car it was towing side-swiped a 2010 Nissan 370ZX. The U-Haul van lost control and strcuk a median. The 1999 Ford Contour, which was towed by the van, struck a 2013 Kenworth semi truck that was towing a refrigerated trailer. The trailer was rear ended by an ambulance.
The U-Haul came to a stop in the 1700 block of East Interstate 40. The van's driver, Willie Brantley, III, 33 from California, was taken into custody and booked in the Potter County Detention Center on one charge of Intoxicated Assault on a Peace Officer for causing the crash with officer. The officer was transported to the hospital and was released. Every other driver was uninjured.
Speed and narcotics are believed to be factors in the crash. The incident is under investigation by APD.
