ELLINWOOD, Kan. (KAKE) - Authorities in central Kansas say a 63-year-old man allegedly fled from the scene of a rollover crash, leaving his paraplegic passenger trapped in the vehicle. 

Deputies responded at around 10 p.m. Saturday to the report of an injury accident at SE 70th Road and SE 100th Avenue in extreme southeastern Barton County. They arrived to find a red 1999 Chevy S-10 overturned in the west ditch. 

"Deputies also discovered a 40-year-old male, who is a paraplegic, stranded in the vehicle," said Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir. "The driver had fled the scene prior to the deputies' arrival."

The investigation determined the pickup was heading east on SE 70th Road and failed to negotiate a curve at 100th Avenue. The sheriff's office believes alcohol was involved. 

While Barton County deputies were at the scene, a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper and Stafford County deputies found the driver, Wendell Akins of Ellinwood, about a quarter-mile away. He had a broken collar bone and various lacerations and abrasions. He and the passenger were taken to a local hospital.

Akins had a suspended driver’s license at the time of the accident. Alcohol is suspected as a contributing factor. Various charges are pending.

Kansas Department of Corrections records show Akins has prior convictions of driving while suspended and a fourth or subsequent DUI.