PLATTSMOUTH – A Louisville man escaped injury Sunday after falling asleep behind the wheel and striking a train.

A press release from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office says BNSF Railway officials asked deputies to investigate a railroad crossing signal malfunction near Walnut Street.

Sheriff William Brueggemann said the malfunction was caused by a vehicle striking the crossing gate and the scattering of debris led deputies to believe the vehicle struck the train also.

Parts along the tracks led deputies to believe a Dodge Ram pickup was involved.

The sheriff says a deputy followed a trail of fluid south from the scene and another fluid trail in Cedar Creek.

Deputies made contact with 54-year-old Dennis Friggins of rural Louisville, who told investigators he fell asleep prior to striking the gate and train.

Friggins was cited for leaving the scene of a property damage accident and released.