BARTON COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities in Barton County continue to investigate a fatal accident involving two Kansas men, according to a media release.

Just after 2:30 a.m. on May 15, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office investigated a fatal motor vehicle accident at the Barton, Stafford County line on Southeast 70 Road.

Initial statements indicated Jacob D. Kinney, 20, Great Bend was driving, missed a turn and the pickup went into a skid. It left the roadway, rolled about three-and-one-half times and ejected Kinney. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Sheriff’s Office obtained search warrants and conducted further forensic examination of the truck and did interviews.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation assisted with collection of evidence and contacted witnesses.

The investigation indicates Kinney was not driving. The information was sent to the Barton County Attorney and an arrest warrant was obtained for Dakota W. James, 20, Hutchinson, who was initially identified as the passenger. It is believed Dakota James was operating the vehicle at the time of the accident. Authorities indicated alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash.

With the assistance of the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office, James was arrested at Udall on Tuesday.

The arrest warrant contained eight counts including involuntary manslaughter, DUI, giving false information to law enforcement officers as well as various other traffic charges.

It is expected Dakota James will be transported back to Barton County on June 1.