Driver faces charges charges in fatality

TRENTON -- The driver of a semi truck involved in a fatality accident Monday afternoon eight miles north of Trenton has been arrested on suspicion of motor vehicle homicide and jailed in Hitchcock County jail in Trenton.

Hitchcock County Sheriff D. Bryan Leggott indicated in a press release this morning that James Watt II, 50, of Everton, Ark., is charged in the death of Alan T. Roller, 59, of Champion.

Roller was killed when his eastbound pickup collided with the enclosed van trailer of Watt's southbound truck-trailer rig, at the junction of Highways 6 and 25 north of Trenton and south of Hayes Center.

The accident happened at 2:57 p.m. Highway 25 south of the junction was blocked until late evening as wreckers operated by Tom Hovey of Trenton and personnel from Sinner's Wrecker Service of Wauneta cleared the truck trailer, pickup and debris from the highway and railroad tracks.

Roller's pickup and Watt's trailer were total losses. The trailer was half-loaded with onions.

The accident was investigated by the Hitchcock County sheriff's office, with assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol.

Palisade and Trenton volunteer fire department personnel provided traffic control and assistance during the investigation.