A two-vehicle collision on the Highway 58 Bridge last Thursday afternoon has resulted in the arrest of a local man on multiple charges, including DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.

According to reports from the Kingston Police Department, the incident occurred directly in front of the local water treatment plant. A blue Honda, driven by Heidi Anderson of Kingston, was traveling northbound after crossing the bridge when it was struck on the passenger side by a southbound BMW.

The force of the impact triggered the Honda’s airbags and injured a juvenile passenger riding in the back seat. Anderson and her young daughter were treated at the scene by first responders and ambulance personnel.

Following the collision, the driver of the BMW fled the scene. Kingston Police Officer Marie Watson requested assistance from the Roane County Sheriff’s Department to track down the fleeing vehicle.

The BMW was quickly located at a residence at 870 Loudon Highway (Highway 72), sporting a flat tire and substantial front-end damage. Officers identified the driver as Walter T. Johnson and noted that he showed visible signs of intoxication.

Key Details from the Police Report:

• Officer Watson and Kingston Detective Keith Kyle responded to the residence to confront the suspect.

• Johnson consented to a blood sample after Officer Watson read him the standard blood draw consent form.

• After a brief mix-up where he was initially transported to the wrong medical facility, Johnson was treated for minor injuries.

Following his medical clearance, Johnson was booked into the Roane County Jail. He faces several serious charges, including:

• Driving under the influence (DUI)

• Reckless endangerment

• Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury