A Ralston man was arrested following a fatal crash in Greene County.

According to court documents, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Scranton Fire Department, and Greene County Ambulance responded at 11:12pm on Sunday, August 25th to the scene of a single vehicle crash at 210th Street and E Avenue. Thirty-three-year-old Travis Smith of Ralston had been following 29-year-old Matthew Hopkins, when Hopkins lost control of his vehicle trying to negotiate a curve, rolled the vehicle and Hopkins was later pronounced dead at the scene. 

Court documents show a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted an investigation involving Smith, who allegedly left the scene, went to a friend’s house, and the friend brought him back to the scene. The deputy questioned Smith at the scene and Smith said his uncle was driving when he witnessed the crash. Smith admitted to consuming alcohol earlier in the day, as he swayed and lost his balance talking to the deputy. 

The deputy took Smith to his uncle’s address and no one answered the door or the phone when Smith tried calling. Smith was taken back to the scene, where his friend gave a witness statement and then Smith refused to submit to a field sobriety test. Smith was arrested for driving while barred and was taken to the Greene County Jail, where he did an eye test. The deputy determined that Smith showed signs of intoxication.

Smith was then charged with a Class D Felony for his third or subsequent offense for an OWI and an aggravated misdemeanor for driving while barred. He was booked into the Greene County Jail. Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.