Police cite Breese man in I-64 wrong-way crash; rule out alcohol and medical causes

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A Breese man who police said drove the wrong way on Interstate 64 and caused a four-vehicle crash remain hospitalized Wednesday night.

Illinois State Police cited Brian Kuper, 43, with improper lane usage, but are still investigating how Kuper ended up driving against traffic Monday eastbound Interstate 64.

"There is nothing to indicate alcohol or medical at this point," Illinois State Police Master Sgt. Joe Leach said. "We've not had a chance to interview him."

Kuper remains at St. Louis University Hospital in serious condition.

Drivers in two other vehicles -- Douglas Jones, 48, of West Frankfort and Christopher Noeldner, 22, of Lebanon -- were treated and released from SLU Hospital Monday night.

Witnesses told police that Kuper was westbound when he entered a turnaround area in the median designated for authorized vehicles. Witnesses said Kuper then continued west in the eastbound lanes instead of making a U-turn.

Kuper's minivan was first grazed by a vehicle driven by Janet Whitworth, 35, of O'Fallon. Whitworth was not injured. Kuper then continued west and collided with Jones' eastbound car. The collision caused Kuper's vehicle to roll onto the hood of Noeldner's car.

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