Alleged Drunk Driver Arrested After Hitting, Severely Injuring Motorist In Asher

A mother's life has been turned upside down after an alleged drunk driver ran a stop sign and hit her daughter head-on, severely injuring her.

Around 6 p.m. January 21, Michaela Powers, 25, was driving home from work in southern Pottawatomie County. She was near the State Highway 39, US 177 intersection in Asher.

Police said Richard Jackson Jr., 21 of Texas, was driving his truck while intoxicated when he ran a stop sign and hit Powers’ Mini Cooper head-on.

With scrapes, bruises and countless broken bones, Powers unbelievably begins her road to recovery.

"I just thought she was so beautiful because she was still with us," said Anjanette Pierce, Powers' mother. "We used to think that 2020 was the hardest year and now nothing can compare to 2021."

An Asher Ppolice officer and nurse happened to be nearby and witnessed the crash. 

"To have a police officer right there and a nurse right there with her, I just knew God was watching over her," said Pierce.

Jackson Jr. was arrested on scene.

It took first responders around an hour before Powers could get medical attention.

"They were pulling her car apart, they were trying to stretch it out because it was so crushed," said Pierce. "She had been crushed against the steering wheel and there was no room for her, and her legs had been crushed into the dashboard. The dashboard was against her body."

Over a week later, Powers tells family she forgives the man who nearly killed her. Her mother hopes hopes this is a wakeup call. 

"Richard, you have a life, and your life is worth it, and your life is worth living in a better way," said Pierce. "The mistakes I've made in my life taught me to turn it around and all I can say is I want you to turn it around. Turn it around for Michaela."

Doctors told family it may be May before Powers will be able to walk again.

A GoFundMe has been established to help family pay for medical bills.

Jackson Jr. was arrested on complaints of driving under the influence and carrying firearms under the influence. He bonded out of jail shortly after being arrested.