Wrong-Way Driver Detained on I-55 Bridge

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Authorities reported that the driver of a semi-truck traveling in the incorrect direction on the Interstate 55 bridge admitted to being “confused,” according to the Arkansas State Police on Friday.

The driver has been identified as John Vosburgh, a 75-year-old from Kentucky.

He was arrested and charged with several offenses, including reckless driving, driving the wrong way on a one-way street, refusal to submit to arrest, ignoring police instructions, refusal to take a chemical test, and driving while intoxicated. However, the Arkansas State Police later clarified that these charges are dependent on the outcomes of a toxicology test.

Police responded to the incident on the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge at approximately 10:12 a.m. on Tuesday. Upon arrival, a state trooper knocked on the passenger side window, which the driver partially rolled down.

The officer instructed Vosburgh to turn off the truck, to which he responded, “Let me get across the bridge first,” while moving the vehicle forward. The trooper then drew his weapon and repeated the command to stop.

After stopping the truck, Vosburgh was forcibly removed and placed on the ground to be handcuffed, as reported by the state trooper. While in custody, Vosburgh explained that he was driving the wrong way because “I got confused.”

The trooper noted signs of intoxication in Vosburgh, including pinpoint pupils and delayed response times. An ambulance was summoned, and Vosburgh was transported to Baptist Crittenden Hospital, though it remains unclear if he is still receiving treatment there.

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