Lawrence County Judge Dale Freeman in coma after auto accident

Lawrence County Judge Dale Freeman was in a medically induced coma Thursday afternoon following a vehicle crash Wednesday morning on U.S. 67 near Cabot.

The 75- year-old is in serious condition at a Little Rock area hospital, Talk Business & Politics has learned. Freeman has a broken neck, but is not paralyzed, according to doctors. He is suffering from low blood pressure and is slated to have surgery on his neck in the coming days. The coma was induced to keep him stable before the surgery on his neck. He also suffered a laceration to his head.

Freeman was southbound on U.S. 67 when his Toyota truck left the roadway and overturned in a ditch, according to information released by the Arkansas State Police. Once the judge was freed by emergency personnel from his truck, he was airlifted to a Little Rock hospital. No other car or injuries were reported as a result of the crash.

First elected as county judge in 2011, Freeman won his third term in office during the primaries earlier this year. Freeman is also the former longtime mayor Portia, and is lifelong resident of Lawrence County.