A Durango man is suspected of drunken driving and driving under the influence of marijuana Friday night when he lost control and rolled his vehicle on Farmington Hill, U.S. Highway 550, just south of Durango.
According to the Colorado State Patrol, Donald E. Villers, 62, was driving north toward Durango near the top of Farmington Hill when he swerved into the southbound lane, overcorrected into his own lane and drove up the side of a steep embankment, causing the vehicle to roll one full time.
The vehicle came to rest on its wheels facing northeast, near the edge of the road.
The crash was reported at 9:02 p.m. near mile post 16.2 of Highway 550.
Villers suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to Mercy Hospital, where he remained Monday, according to the State Patrol.
His passenger, Henry L. Williams, 63, of Durango, also suffered serious injuries. He was taken to Mercy before being flown to St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction, said Trooper Brandon Hollibaugh, with the Colorado State Patrol, in an interview Monday.
Speed is not suspected of being a factor in the crash, he said.
“Neither of them were wearing their seat belts, and that’s why they sustained serious injuries,” Hollibaugh said.
Villers is expected to be charged with felony vehicular assault, he said.
shane@durangoherald.com
