Hit by car during quarrel, teen rushed to hospital
Injuries were serious, but girl is now back home
News editor
An argument between two women Thursday in Florence resulted in serious injuries to one when she fell as the other was trying to leave in a car.
Dispatchers received a report of a possible fight at 246 W. 10th St. at 11:04 p.m. and sent a deputy to investigate.
Two minutes later, a person was reported down in the street near 234 W. 10th St., owned by Florence firefighter Evan Slater and across the street south of the site of the suspected fight.
An unidentified Florence firefighter was at the scene checking on the person, later identified as an unconscious 19-year-old woman.
Florence ambulance was called.
When a second Florence responder did not immediately answer the page, Marion ambulance was dispatched. Florence then came up with a full crew and arrived at 11:15 p.m.
The woman’s condition was reported to be “code red” at 11:21 p.m., indicating injuries were potentially life threatening.
Shortly thereafter, a deputy received a call from dispatchers identifying a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix as belonging to Harley Lee Britton and Cathy Lee Britton and responded, “That’s the vehicle in question that struck the party.”
LifeTeam initially reported it could have a helicopter at the scene by 11:39 p.m., and EMS director Ed Debesis authorized the callout. However, at 11:38 p.m. it was reported the helicopter could not fly because of icing.
Florence ambulance left for Via Christi – St. Francis Hospital in Wichita at 11:44 p.m., with an EMT asking another EMT for St. Francis ER’s phone number.
Sheriff Robert Craft said the injured woman, McKayla Oursler, 19, had gone to Florence to speak to Harley Britton when they got into an argument.
“I don’t know whether she lived in Marion or Florence,” Craft said. “Basically, they were arguing. It hadn’t become physical that we’re aware of yet. McKayla was standing outside the car at the front left corner when the other gal took off. She either fell back or was pushed back. I don’t know which yet.”
An aunt of Oursler posted a note Saturday saying Oursler was home from the hospital and detailing her injuries.
“I do have a face fracture and bleeding in the brain that caused me not to hear out of my left ear,” the note said. “I have a sprained ankle and have to use crutches. I’m feeling a lot better today.”
No charges had been filed as of Tuesday. Craft said the investigation was continuing.