Poteau Teen Critical After Hitting Deer, Utility Pole

An early morning encounter with a deer left a Poteau teenager critically injured Saturday. Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers say the crash took place at 4:15 a.m. on Canyon Road a few miles outside Poteau in LeFlore County.

A collision report states Noel Smith was driving westbound when he hit a deer. His vehicle then left the roadway and struck a utility pole.

Troopers say the 18-year-old Smith was taken to a Fayetteville hospital where he is listed in critical condition with a head injury.

He was wearing a seat belt.