Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — A Craig man was arrested Saturday night on suspicion of vehicular assault and drunken driving after he swerved into the oncoming lane of traffic, sending a man, a woman and four children to the hospital. The head-on collision occurred at 5:25 p.m. about one mile west of Hayden. The Hayden Police Department and the Colorado State Patrol reported to the scene.

Wesley Carl Romans, 53, was driving a green 1992 Subaru station wagon. He began to fishtail and skidded into the eastbound lane of traffic, according to a report released by the Colorado State Patrol. Romans collided with a 1992 Plymouth Grand Voyager minivan driven by 38-year-old Gregory John Barone. After the impact, the vehicles skidded onto opposite sides of the road.

The five passengers in the minivan were transported to Yampa Valley Medical Center. The female passenger, Tami Barone, was treated for a broken leg. The rest of the family suffered minor injuries. Everyone was wearing seat belts.

Romans had a female passenger with him at the time of the crash, Juanita Sharp. Romans and Sharp denied medical attention.

Alcohol is suspected as a factor in the crash. Romans was arrested at the scene. After the investigation is complete, he could be charged with vehicular assault, aggravated driving while his license was under restraint for habitual traffic offenses, driving under the influence of alcohol and careless driving.

The accident is under investigation by the Colorado State Patrol.

-- To reach Autumn Phillips, call 871-4210 or e-mail aphillips@steamboatpilot.com