Janet Bedford Pronounced Dead at Accident Scene with Drunk Driver

The Texarkana Police Department is investigating an accident that occurred on February 22 around 1:40 p.m.

The accident occurred on the 1100 block of South Lake Drive where 70-year-old Janet Bedford was pronounced dead in the aftermath.

Investigators have determined that 29-year-old Dewayne Fetner of Texarkana was driving south on Lake Drive. He was driving at an excessively high rate of speed and crossed the centerline and into the path of a GMC Acadia traveling north.

The driver of the Acadia was 42-year-old Kaleb Harp. Harp attempted to swerve from the path of the Subaru driven by Fetner.

Fetner hit the rear driver’s side passenger area of the Acadia, which is where Bedford was seated. Other passengers in the vehicle included Harp’s wife and two children.

As a result of the accident, Harp and Fetner were both transported by LifeNet EMS services to local hospitals.

Harp is still hospitalized for injuries that have been described as not life-threatening.

Fetner was treated and released for minor injuries. As soon as he was released, he was taken into custody for the accident and arrested. He is currently being held at the Bi-State Jail.

Fetner is facing charges of Intoxication Manslaughter for the death of Bedford. He is also facing charges of Intoxication Assault for the injuries sustained by Harp.

Intoxication assault is a third-degree felony charge. A fine can be assessed up to $10,000 and a period of 2 to 10 years in the prison system. Driver’s license suspension can also occur for up to 2 years upon release.

Intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony charge. Prison terms for intoxication manslaughter can vary, but in most cases, the maximum sentence is 20 years. It also carries all the same fines and license suspensions as an intoxication assault charge.

There has not been a bail amount released for Fetner. Police are still investigating this accident.