Deputy Freddie Long (Photo courtesy of Ozark County Sheriff’s Office)
An Ozark County deputy was one of three West Plains residents injured in a two-vehicle accident early Friday afternoon in Howell County. Seventy-three-year-old Reserve Deputy Freddie Long suffered what were termed serious injuries. Forty-two-year-old Andrea Spaletto was also seriously injured, and 20-year-old Averi Spaletto suffered moderate injuries. All three were transported by ambulance to Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Andrea Spaletto was the driver of a vehicle on Missouri Highway 14, and Averi Spaletto was his passenger. They were nearly six miles west of West Plains when their vehicle slid on the roadway, crossed the center line and collided head-on with another vehicle driven by Deputy Long. The Spalettos were reportedly not wearing their seat belts.
Both vehicles were totaled in the 12:35 p.m. accident.
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