Douglas County Dist. Atty. Charles Branson on Monday said he would not file criminal charges against an Ottawa man involved in a fatal accident May 23 on the southern edge of Lecompton.

Records indicate a 2000 Ford F-150 pickup truck driven by Michael Sluka, 22, of Ottawa, crossed the center line and collided head-on with a 2001 Chevrolet driven by 51-year-old Betty Irvin. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

“For us to charge this individual with vehicular homicide or with vehicular manslaughter, there has to be more than mere negligence involved. A traffic infraction is not enough,” Branson said.

“In this case, a review of the facts does not find the necessary level of negligence.”

Irvin’s widower, Michael Irvin, declined comment on the decision. “I’m not saying anything,” he said, “I don’t want to screw up my civil case.”

Branson said a decision on whether Sluka will be issued a traffic ticket is pending.