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Richard Wayne Nyte
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol responded to its fourth fatality accident on Highway 33 May 12. It occurred at approximately 4 p.m. on Highway 33 and South Broadway three miles west of Guthrie.
Michael David McFarland, 30, of Crescent was driving his 2011 Ford Fusion westbound on Highway 33 when the accident happened. McFarland was Medi-Flighted to Mercy Logan County and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Richard Wayne Nyte, Jr., 40, of Guthrie was eastbound on Highway 33 when he allegedly crossed the center line and struck McFarland’s vehicle, according to the OHP report. Nythe was not injured in the accident.
The OHP later arrested Nyte for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. The use of seatbelts in both vehicles is under investigation, but the air bags deployed in both.
Nyte was charged in Logan County District Court on May 13 in front of Judge Louis Duel with felony manslaughter in the first degree (DUI/ automobile) or in the alternative felony manslaughter in the first degree (driving a motor vehicle left of center). Nyte Jr. made his initial court appearance on May 14 and represented himself, entering a plea of not guilty. Bond was set at $50,000. Nyte posted bond and was released from jail. The arraignment is set for June 24 at 9 a.m. If convicted, the minimum sentence is no less than four years in jail according to the court filings.
McFarland was pinned in his car for an unknown time before Guthrie Fire Department got him out. The road was dry, and the weather was clear at the time of the accident.
The OHP Traffic-Homicide Unit is investigating the accident. Logan County Sheriff’s Office and the Guthrie Fire Department also responded to the accident.