Oklahoma law enforcement authorities are mourning one of their own, and asking for the public’s help in the investigation.
According to a release from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, a vehicle traveling southbound on I-35 lost control for an unknown reason and crossed the center cable barrier.
The vehicle struck Trooper Vernon Brake, who was traveling in the northbound lanes just south of Hefner Road in Oklahoma City.
Brake was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the other involved vehicle, along with a four-year-old passenger, were also pronounced deceased at the scene.
Brake graduated from the 56th OHP Academy in 2006 and has proudly served the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for nearly 20 years, with significant time assigned to Troop S (commercial motor vehicle enforcement).
After he graduated from the academy, he also served in Oklahoma and Logan Counties.
His wife and two children survive him.
“Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with his family as well as the family of the other driver involved,” the release stated.
OHP’s Traffic Homicide Unit (THU) is conducting the investigation into the crash.
Investigators believe 36-year-old Mercedes Bayne was traveling southbound on I-35 when she took evasive action to avoid either debris or equipment or vehicles that had stopped ahead of her.
OHP says Bayne crossed over the center cable barrier, striking Trooper Brake, who was driving northbound on I-35.
Trooper Brake, Bayne, and a four-year-old passenger in Bayne’s vehicle were all pronounced deceased at the scene.
OHP published a photo of a truck of interest that stopped on I-35 near the incident.
“It could possibly be the truck that lost part of its load or another truck that stopped to assist in clearing the debris,” OHP says. “Anyone with information on this truck or who saw anything [Wednesday] on I-35 around 11:27 is asked to call the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Communications Center at 405-425-2323.”
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
