Man Accused Of Running Over Kids In Tent Pleads Not Guilty

An Oakdale man accused of driving his van over a tent with five boys inside entered a not guilty plea this morning.

Stephen Barrington, 43, was arrested May 25 on the charges of DUI-first offense, a Class W midemeanor and reckless driving, an infraction, after the van he was driving struck a tent with five boys inside. Five additional charges - four counts of third degree assault, all Class I misdemeanors; and no proof of financial responsibility, a Class II misdemeanor - were filed later.

On Wednesday, Barrington pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. He appeared in Antelope County Court with his court-appointed attorney, Martin Klein, public defender. Barrington's pretrial conference was set for July 16 at 10:30 a.m. His bond was also continued.

Barrington was released from the Antelope County Jail On May 28 after he posted 10 percent of his $20,000 bond.

Antelope County Sheriff Bob Moore said the charges stem from an incident which occurred about 10:45 p.m. May 25 when Barrington was erratically driving a 1998 Plymouth Voyager Sport Van through his backyard after arguing with his wife. 

The sheriff said Barrington accelerated his vehicle and struck the tent, fire pit and other items in the yard, located at 708 5th St. in Oakdale.

Moore said the boys ages 8-13 had just entered the backyard tent when the van struck. Three of the boys were transported to Antelope Memorial Hospital in Neligh and one was taken to Faith Regional in Norfolk. One boy did not require medical treatment.

The sheriff said Barrington had admitted to drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana earlier in the day, and was "very remorseful" about what happened.