Openshaw

4 Vehicle Accident, SODA, June 28, 2021 - Shortly after 6 pm on June 28, 2021, a dark gray 2009 Ford Explorer, driven by Troy Anthony Sousa, 52, of Livingston, was east-bound on US-190 East. Sousa stopped and was waiting to make a left turn onto Darden Road when a white 2013 Honda Civic, driven by Caitlyn Ann Clamon, 27, of Livingston, was coming up behind Sousa's vehicle. Clamon was coming too fast and veered left to avoid striking Sousa but still clipped the rear driver's side fender. Clamon continued into the west-bound lanes of 190 striking a silver 2014 Chrysler 300, driven by Kevin Lee Delp, 57, of Livingston. The impact caused Delp's vehicle to swerve into the east-bound lanes of 190 and slam into the front end of a white 2015 Nissan Frontier, driven by Frederick Charles Toward, 57, of New Caney. Allegiance and Texan EMS Ambulance Services were dispatched to the scene along with the Livingston and Indian Springs Volunteer Fire Departments, Deputies with the Polk County Sheriff's Office, and Troopers Nick Hatton and Ashlee White with the Texas Highway Patrol. Volunteer Firemen and EMS personnel worked to free Delp and his female passenger. Sousa (driver of the Explorer) was not injured. Delp's passenger was flown to Hermann Hospital in Houston. Delp, a six year old boy in Clamon's vehicle, and Toward were all transported by ambulance to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Clamon was cited for failure to control speed. Toward's and Clamon's vehicles were recovered by Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston. Delp's vehicle was recovered by Kwik Tow and will be stored in Livingston. Sousa's vehicle was recovered by Dan's Towing and will be stored in Livingston. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

A Hot Mess In Soda, SODA, June 27, 2021 - Shortly before 11 am on June 27, 2021, the driver of a red Chevy Silverado was west-bound on US-190 East (near Crystal Lake Road). The driver was pulling a travel trailer, that was pulling a pontoon boat (without a fifth wheel). The train started whipping as the driver lost control and left the pavement to the right. The travel trailer turned over on its side as the whole mess came to rest in a horse shoe shape. Troopers Donny Akers and Kevin Burman with the Texas Highway Patrol were dispatched to investigate and were assisted by Sergeant Adam Norris with the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Fortunately, there were no injuries. No citations were issued. Ken's Towing was summoned to clean up the mess.

Pickup Broadsided by 18 Wheeler, ONALASKA, June 18, 2021 - At approximately 7:15 am on June 18, 2021, an 18 wheeler, driven by Jake Kropik, 35, of Huntsville, was east-bound on US-190 West. As Kropik was passing the subdivision of Cedar Point, a west-bound black 2006 Ford F-250, driven by Robert David Johnson, 86, of Livingston, attempted a left turn into the entrance of Cedar Point. Johnson failed to yield to Kropik. The 18 wheeler broadsided the rear bed portion of Johnson's pickup knocking it into the grass, as Kropik's vehicle left the pavement to the right, and continued through the grass, crashed through a white wooden fence, struck a tree and finally came to rest upright near a pond. Officer Lee Parrish with the Onalaksa Police Department drove upon the scene and radioed to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Onalaska Volunteer Fire Department Heavy Rescue Unit, and Trooper Chris Cain with the Texas Highway Patrol. Johnson was trapped in his turned over pickup. Firemen used the Jaws-of-Life to cut the roof off of the pickup and carefully remove Johnson from his vehicle. An Air Life air medical helicopter landed on 190 and flew Johnson to Hermann Hospital in Houston. Kropik was physically okay. All traffic on 190 was blocked during investigation, cleanup, and flight operations. Johnson's vehicle was recovered by George White & Sons Wrecker Service and will be stored in Onalaska. Kropik's vehicle was recovered by a heavy duty wrecker service out of Huntsville. This accident remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol.

18 Wheeler Slides Over Small Car With 5 Occupants, CORRIGAN, June 13, 2021 - At approximately 4:40 pm on June 13, 2021, an 18 wheeler loaded with watermelons and driven by Hammad Khan, 36, of Mississauga, Canada, was north-bound on US-59 just south of the Corrigan City Limits when a white 2011 Hyundai Sonata, driven by Dexter Davidson, 31, of Nacogdoches, for unknown reasons struck the back of the 18 wheeler. The impact caused Khan to lose control of his 18 wheeler. The car veered right and was beside the 18 wheeler when it turned over and slid over the car crushing the roof. Both the car and the rig slide off the pavement to the right and into the grass. The 18 wheeler lost its entire load of watermelons. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Corrigan and Livingston Volunteer Fire Departments, Corrigan Police Department, Polk County Sheriff's Deputies and Trooper Chris Cain with the Texas Highway Patrol. Firemen used the Jaws-of-Life to cut the top off of the vehicle. Davidson had four passengers in his vehicle. Miraculaously, nobody was killed. Davidson and three of his passengers (three juveniles) were transported by amulance to CHI Hospital. Hammad Khan was also transported by ambulance to CHI Lufkin. Davidson's fourth passenger, 34 year old Brittany Green, was flown by PHi Air Medical to Conroe Regional Hospital. Riley Wrecker Service out of Corrigan was summoned to clean up the mess. This accident remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Motorcyclist Killed in Accident With SUV, ALABAMA COUSHATTA COUNTRY, June 12, 2021 - At approximately 3:15 pm on June 12, 2021, a black Harley Davidson motorcycle was east-bound on US-190 East. As the motorcycle, driven by Thomas Leroy Warren, 49, of Woodville, was passing the entrance of the Albama Coushatta Indian Reservation entrance, an west-bound white 2021 Nissan Kicks, driven by James Thomas Harris, Jr., 63, of Houston, attempted a left turn into the reservation and failed to yield to Warren. Warren's motorcycle impacted the front passenger's side fender. The impact ejected Warren from his motorcycle (Warren's head impacted the Harris' windshield in the process) as Warren landed just a few feet on the other side of Harris' vehicle (the driver's side). Warren was not wearing a helmet. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Alabama Coushatta Volunteer Fire Department, Sergeant Adam Norris with the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Game Warden David Johnson, and Trooper Cotye Lowrie with the Texas Highway Patrol. Warren was loaded into and ambulance and passed away minutes later. Harris was physically okay. Justice of the Peace Jamie Richardson performed an inquest at the scene. Warren was transported from the scene by a first-call car from Cochran Funeral Home in Livingston. Both vehicles were recovered by LakeView Wrecker and will be stored in Livingston. This accident remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol. Harris will likely be cited for failure to yield to oncoming traffic. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Whipping Trailer, Driver Loses Control, GOODRICH, June 12, 2021 - At approximately 4:45 pm on June 12, 2021, the driver of a white Chevy Tahoe that was pulling a trailer loaded with random stuff, was north-bound on US-59 in Goodrich when the trailer began to whip. The driver lost control and slid into the median dumping the contents of the trailer. Trooper Chris Cain with the Texas Highway Patrol was dispatched to the scene. There were no injuries. A wrecker from All Star Wrecker Service was summoned to clean up the mess. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Fire Leaves Married Couple in Critical Condition, CRYSTAL LAKE WEST, June 9, 2021 - At approximately 11:30 pm on June 8, 2021, a house fire was reported to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Livingston Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to 432 Norman Street in Crystal Lake West. Deputy Johnny Wooten (soon joined by Deputy Marcus Bailey) was the first emergency personnel on the scene and was able to break a window to get into the house that was filled with smoke. Wesley Crain, 64, and his wife, Donna Crain, 57 were both located but were passed out from smoke inhalation. They were taken from the home. EMS responders began CPR. Both Wesley and Donna Crain were rushed by ambulance to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital in critical condition. The fire was extinguished, but the interior of the home was heavily damaged (possibly totaled). The cause of the fire is not yet known. Deputies Wooten and Bailey initiated a preliminary investigation into the cause of the fire. It is not yet known to PolkCountyToday.com whether or not the home was being rented to the Crains, or were they owners, or if the home was insured. This incident remains under investigation by the Sheriff's Office and the Polk County Fire Marshal. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Driver Slams Guardrail, Ends up at Bottom of Embankment, SPRING CREEK, June 7, 2021 - At approximately 9 pm on June 7, 2021, a red Volkswagen Sedan was east-bound pm US-190 West. The driver (for some reason) drifted left, over the west-bound lane, entered the shoulder of the west-bound side and slammed into the end of a guardrail. The car (driven by Victoria Kaye Reece, 22, of Magnolia) then continued down a deep embankment and came to rest at the bottom. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Onalaska Volunteer Fire Department Heavy Rescued Unit, and Trooper Cotye Lowrie with the Texas Highway Patrol. Reece was able to exit the vehicle under her own power. Her passenger was removed by EMS personnel and carried to the top of the embankment in a rescue basket. The passenger was later released and Reece was transported by ambulance to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital with a head injury. Traffic was blocked during investigation and cleanup. Reece's vehicle was recovered by George White & Sons Wrecker Service and will be stored in Onalaska. No citations have yet been issued. This accident remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol. A toxicology report may be pending in this investigation.

Head On Collision, Mulitple Hospitalized, ONALASKA, June 2, 2021 - At approximately 6:05 am on June 2, 2021, a red 2006 GMC Sierra, driven by Joseph Micheal McCoy, 46, of Bryan, was west-bound on US-190 West. As McCoy was passing KOA Campgrounds, an east-bound gray 2006 Chevy Silverado, driven by Charles Wayne Bain, 31, of Centerville, drifted over the center line causing a head on collision. Both vehicles came to rest on the pavement. Allegiace Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Onalaska Volunteer Fire Department Heavy Rescue Unit, Officers Simon Prince, Josh Watson, and Sergeant Mark Nichols with the Onalaska Police Department and Trooper Chris Cain with the Texas Highway Patrol. Firemen used the Jaws-of-Life to extract some of the victims from both vehicles. McCoy was transported to the helicopter pad by Onalaska Fire Department where a Life Flight helicopter landed and flew him to Hermann Hospital in Houston (McCoy had two child passengers who refused treatment). Bain was transported by ambulance to Conroe Regional Hospital (Bain's two passengers, Reginald Lee, 38 of Coldspring, and Mindi White, 43, of Coldspring were transported by ambulance to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital). All traffic on 190 was blocked during investigation and cleanup. Bain is facing a citation for wrong side of road not passing. Both vehicles were recovered by George White & Sons Wrecker Service and will be stored in Onalaska. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Porter Woman Succumbs to Injuries from Accident, SODA, May 29, 2021 - Shortly after 10 pm on May 28, 2021, the driver of a white 1999 GMC Savana full size van was east-bound on US-190 East. The driver, Jim Bob Mitchell, 47, of Groveton, decided to execute a U-turn right after passing Nettles Cemetery Road. When Mitchell attempted the turn, he failed to notice coming up from behind his vehicle, a white, east-bound 2006 Dodge Durango driven by Melisa Salinas, 48, of Livingston. The Durango broadsided the Mitchell's vehicle on the driver's side. Both vehicles slid across the west-bound lanes and came to rest on the shoulder of the west-bound side of 190. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department Heavy Rescue Unit, Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, and Trooper Kevin Burman with the Texas Highway Patrol. Mitchell's passenger, Connie Darlene Williams, 53, of Porter, was ejected (no seatbelt) and sustained major injuries. EMS personnel immediately began CPR on Williams. Williams was rushed to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced deceased. Justice of the Peace, Sarah Rasberry performed an inquest. Mitchell and Salinas were also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Traffic on 190 was partially blocked during investigation and cleanup. Salinas' vehicle was recovered by Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston. Mitchell's vehicle was recovered by Dan's Towing (for Ken's Towing) and will also be stored at Harrison Body Shop. This accident remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Driver Arrested for DWI After Extremely Reckless Driving, LIVINGSTON, May 25, 2021 - At approxiately 3:45 pm on May 25, 2021, Polk County Sheriff's Office Dispatch received a call from a witness who spotted a gray 2005 KIA Sportage driving reckless. According to the witness, the driver of the KIA was weaving all over the road, went in and out of a ditch, into and out of oncoming traffic. The driver was west-bound on FM-3126 headed in the direction of Lake Livingston State Park. The driver, 45 year old Joann LaCasta Norris, of Livingston, continued all the way to FM-1988 South and turned left towards Livingston. Detective Byron Dunaway with the Polk County Sheriff's Office caught up with Norris after she pulled into the parking lot of Cash America Pawn on Pan American Drive. Detective Dunaway was quickly backed up by Deputy Marcus Bailey (also with the Polk County Sheriff's Office). Norris appeared to be intoxicated (possibly pills) and her speech was slurred. Officer Tito Reyes with the Livingston Police Department also showed up to assist Bailey. Deputy Bailey sent for an ambulance from Allegiance Ambulance Service to check Norris out in case Norris had a medical problem. Other than being intoxicated, Norris had no physical issues. Bailey placed Norris under arrest and charged her with driving while intoxicated. Norris was driven to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital for a blood sample, then taken to Polk County Jail and booked in. Norris' vehicle was recovered by All Star Wrecker Service out of Livingston.

Car Rear Ends Small Pickup, BLANCHARD, May 23, 2021 - At approximately 2:40 pm on May 23, 2021, the driver of a white Ford Ranger was south-bound on FM-2457 and was slammed from behind by a black Chevy Malibu. The driver of the Malibu was on her way to a birthday party. The Malibu came to rest on the pavement while the driver of the Ranger pulled around and parked on the opposite shoulder. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Trooper Johnny Wilkerson with the Texas Highway Patrol. Fortunately there were no serious injuries. The driver of the pickup got a mild cut on his left arm. The driver of the Malibu was cited for no driver's license. As far as who's at fault, the accident remains under investigation. The Malibu was recovered by Ken's Towing. The pickup was driven from the scene.

Driver Falls Asleep, Ends Up In Ditch, SPRING CREEK, May 14, 2021 - At approximately 6:25 am on May 14, 2021, an elderly driver (87 year old man) of a white Chevy duly pickup was west-bound on US-190 West. The driver apparently fell asleep at the wheel. His pickup crossed over the east-bound lane and left the pavement, rolled down an embankment and came to rest in a drainage ditch lodged against drainage embankment. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with Trooper Nick Hatton with the Texas Highway Patrol. EMS personnel weren't able to open his door due to being lodged against the ditch. A wrecker from Kwik Tow Wrecker was summoned and pulled the truck out. The driver was helped from his vehicle and seemingly escaped injury. No citations were issued. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Driver Rolls Vehicle, 3 Hospitalized (1 by Air Lift), NEW WILLARD, May 8, 2021 - At approximately 3:35 pm on May 8, 2021, a black 2003 Hummer was south-bound on US-59 South of Leggett when the vehicle left the pavement to the left, the driver over corrected to the right and left the pavement again. The vehicle, (driven by Silvia Carolina Rivera, 28, of Henderson) rolled one time and came to rest upright in the woodline. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department Heavy Rescue Unit, local Game Wardens, and Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office. During the rollover, an eight year old girl was ejected and landed in the woods. Emergency personnel loaded the child into an ambulance. An Air Life medical helicopter landed on 59 and transported her to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. Rivera and another child (3 year old girl) were both transported by ambulance to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital with undisclosed injuries. Traffic on the south-bound side of 59 was completely blocked during flight operations. Rivera's vehicle was recovered by LakeView Wrecker and will be stored in Livingston. It is not yet known what caused Rivera to leave the pavement. This accident remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Minor Traffic Violation Leads to Marijuana Bust, LIVINGSTON, May 6, 2021 - Shortly before 10 pm on May 6, 2021, Officer David Mitchell with the Livingston Police Department was on patrol on Pan American Drive when he observed a north-bound navy blue 2011 Ford Edge with a broken headlight. Officer Mitchell stopped the vehicle, driven by Roberty Danley, 20, of Livingston . When Mitchell walked up to the window, an overwhelming scent of strong marijuana was quite smellable emanating from Danley's vehicle (not lit marijuana, but very strong fresh unlit marijuana). With the strong scent of marijuana, probable cause was established and Danley was ordered to step out of his vehicle. Mitchell was soon backed up by Officers Christopher Huestis, Taryn Lopez, and Sergeant Adam Williford (all with Livingston P.D.). The search proved to be the correct thing to do as officers found a fairly substantial amount of marijuana. Danley was placed under arrest and transported to jail. His vehicle was towed by LakeView Wrecker and will be stored in Livingston.

Cars Collide on Scenic Loop, Story Gets Weird, SCENIC LOOP, April 26, 2021 - At approximately 5:12 pm on April 26, 2021, a gray 2007 Nissan Titan, driven by Frank Terry, 53, of Livingston, was west-bound on FM-3277 (Scenic Loop, less than a mile from FM-3126). Terry suddenly had a glancing head on collision when an east-bound black 2000 Ford Expedition, driven by Bart Thomas, 58, of Livingston, crossed the center line. The impact spun Thomas around while Terry's vehicle left the pavement to the right and into a ditch. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Scenic Loop Volunteer Fire Department Heavy Rescue Unit. Bart Thomas got out of his vehicle and was given a ride to the Wet Deck Bar. Thomas' girl friend came and picked him up at the Wet Deck and drove him to the Executive Inn and Suites in Shepherd. Meanwhile, Frank Terry was transported by ambulance to Livingston Municipal Airport where an Air Life Medical Helicopter landed and flew him to Hermann Hospital in Houston with serious injuries. Troopers Chris Cain and Corporal Ramey Bass with the Texas Highway Patrol were dispatched to investigate the accident. Trooper Cain proceeded to the Wet Deck where he was able to view security camera footage of Thomas' girl friend, Dana Sue Mitchell, 48, of Livingston, picking him up in a car. Through his investigative expertise, Cain was able to ascertain where they went. Trooper Cain called Dana Mitchell on her cell phone. Mitchell told Cain she hadn't seen Bart Thomas (even though security camera footage shows her picking him up). Trooper Cain drove to the Executive Inn and Suites in Shepherd and as he was pulling in, he spotted Mitchell's car trying to leave. Cain stopped the car and found Thomas in the car with her. Bart Thomas still had injuries. He was transported to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital and will be charged with failure to stop and render aid at an accident (a felony due to the serious injuries to Frank Terry), and he'll be faulted in the accident for crossing the center line. Dana Sue Mitchell was placed under arrest for hendering apprehension of a known felon. Traffic on 3277 was blocked during investigation and cleanup. Thomas' vehicle was recovered by Kwik Toe out of Livingston and Terry's vehicle was recovered by Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Accident Takes Life of Livingston Woman, SCENIC LOOP, April 19, 2021 - At approximately 12:04 pm on April 19, 2021, a tan 1998 Chevy pickup, driven by Louise Stockton Davis, 75, of Livingston, was west-bound on FM-3126. Davis slowed down and attempted a left turn into a private drive that enters Tigerville Park. When Davis turned left, she was broad sided by a 2000 Ford F-250 driven by Lon Steven Treannie, 59, of Livingston. Treannie was also west-bound directly behind Davis and attempted to pass her just as she made her left turn. The accident occurred in a no passing zone. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with Deputies Rey Davlos and Marcus Bailey with the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Scenic Loop Volunteer Fire Department and Trooper Colton McQuilkin with the Texas Highway Patrol. Treannie happens to be an EMT and immediately tried to help Davis and summoned help. Davis was rushed by ambulance to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital where she passed away shortly after arrival. Justice of the Peace, Jamie Richardson performed an inquest. Davis' vehicle was recovered by Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston. Treannie's vehicle was recovered by Kwik Tow out of Cut N Shoot. This accident remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Driver Takes Out Utility Pole, GOODRICH, April 17, 2021 - At approximately 9:15 am on April 17, 2021, a red 2006 Ford Edge, driven by Gladis Cruz, 24, of Goodrich, was west-bound on FM-1988 East (about a quarter mile west of US-146). Cruz entered a curve too fast and left the pavement to the right and slammed into a utility pole. The impact snapped the pole dropping power lines to the ground. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department, Deputy Richard Green with the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Troopers David Morris and Donny Akers with the Texas Highway Patrol. Cruz was helped from her vehicle and fortunately was able to apparently escape injury. Traffic on 1988 was partially blocked during investigation and cleanup. A crew from Sam Houston Electric Cooperative was dispatched to replace the utility pole. Cruz was cited for unsafe speed, no driver's license, and no insurance. Her vehicle was recovered by LakeView Wrecker service and will be stored in Livingston.

Pickup Rear Ends 18 Wheeler, Driver Flown, PATONIA, April 8, 2021 - Shortly before 8 am on April 8, 2021, a silver Ford pickup, driven by Robert Louis Lantrum, 69, of Livingston, was west-bound on FM-3152 (about half a mile from FM-350 North). Lantrum was apparently distracted when he failed to notice an 18 wheeler, driven by Stephen Earl Norman, 48,of Huntsville, pulling heavy equipment directly in front of him. Lantrum's pickup slammed into the back of Norman's rig. His vehicle came to rest right there. Norman pulled his rig to the shoulder. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Onalaska Volunteer Fire Department, Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Corporal Ramey Bass and Sergeant Sam Lattner with the Texas Highway Patrol. Lantrum was entrapped in his vehicle, Norman was physically okay. Volunteer Firemen used the Jaws-of-Life to cut the door off of Lantrum's pickup and carefully remove him onto a stretcher. Lantrum was transported to a nearby landing zone (350 at 3152) where an Air Life medical helicopter landed and transported him to Conroe Regional Hospital with major injuries. Traffic on FM-3152 was blocked during investigation and cleanup. Lantrum's vehicle was recovered by George White & Sons Wrecker Service and will be stored in Onalaska. This accident remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a report of a man walking down a road with a gun. The deputy arrived at the location to find the defendant, Colt James Lambright, lying on the ground, just off the road clutching a rifle. The defendant refused the deputy’s commands and appeared to be disoriented. The deputy was eventually able to gain the defendant’s compliance, retrieving the rifle, but not before some very tense moments that included Lambright pointing the rifle in the direction of deputies. Lambright later admitted using methamphetamine. A check of Lambright’s criminal history revealed a previous felony conviction for engaging in organized criminal activity, which made his possession of a firearm a violation of Title 18 of the United States Code, Section 922.

The recent death of Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Trooper, Chad Walker, is a tragic reminder of the threats law enforcement officers face every day. Law enforcement officers in Polk County are not immune to these threats. Two recent encounters, captured on video, demonstrate those dangers. In one of the instances, an officer with the City of Livingston Police Department, as part of an investigation into a stolen vehicle, encountered defendants, Chaz Allen Lewis and Kasin Nicole Wilkerson, in a Walmart parking lot. The officer temporarily detained Lewis and placed him in handcuffs. The officer’s patrol car video shows that when the officer was distracted, Wilkerson, removed a handgun from Lewis’ pants pocket and threw it to the ground. A check of both defendants' criminal histories revealed that they each had been previously been convicted of felony offenses, which made their possession of a firearm a violation of Title 18 of the United States Code, Section 922.

Vehicles Collide, No Injuries, LIVINGSTON, April 4, 2021 - At approximately 5:45 pm on April 4, 2021, the driver of a 1991 Dodge Ram Pickup, was south-bound on Pan American Drive. As he was passing through the intersection of FM-1988 South (Next to Thomas Supply), the driver of a red 2009 Dodge Challenger attempted to pull across Pan American from 1988 and slammed into the front passenger's side fender of the pickup. The impact spun the car around to face north while the pickup came to rest on the right side of Pan American. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with Trooper Colton McQuilkin with the Texas Highway Patrol. Trooper McQuilkin was assisted by Officers from Livingston Police Department. Fortunately, there were no injuries. The driver of the Challenger was cited for failing to yield and no driver's license. The Challenger was recovered by Fawbush Wrecker and will be stored in Goodrich while the pickup was recovered by Dan's Towing and will be stored in Livingston. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Dude, You're Going to Jail, NEW WILLARD, March 28, 2021 - Shortly before 5 pm on March 28, 2021, multiple reports came in to the Polk County Sheriff's Office of a reckless driver that was north-bound on US-59. The suspect entered Polk County via the Trinity River Bridge from San Jacinto County. Trooper Allen Stanton with the Texas Highway Patrol pulled the vehicle over south of Legget. The vehicle, a 2017 GMC Acadia, driven by Santiago Solis, 24, of Mission, pulled to the right shoulder. Solis was acting strange which aroused Trooper Stanton's suspicion. Solis gave consent for a vehicle search. Solis was found to be in possession of synthetic marijuana and drug parphernalia. Solis was arrested and booked into Polk County Jail. His vechile was towed by Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston.

Vehicles Collide, No Serious Injuries, GOODRICH, March 28, 2021 - At approximately 11 am on March 28, 2021, a brown 2007 Chevy Suburban was north-bound on US-59. As the vehicle was passing the Goodrich Truck Stop, a brown 2015 GMC Sierra that was northbound decided to change lanes (from the slow lane into the left lane). The driver of the Sierra failed to notice the Suburban. The vehicles collided. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with Deputies Terri Mayer and Sergeant Jason Paske with the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Trooper Ashlee White with the Texas Highway Patrol. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries in the mishap. Traffic was partially blocked during investigation and cleanup. The driver of the GMC Sierra is facing a citation for the unsafe lane change. The GMC was recovered by Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston while the Suburban was recovered by Dan's Towing and will be stored in Livingston. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Fire Absolutely Destroys Local Church Building, GOODRICH, March 24, 2021 - Shortly before 10 am on March 24, 2021, a fire was reported from Chesswood Baptist Church. Volunteer Fire Departments from all over Polk and San Jacitno Counties responded. The fire started in the back of the church where the breaker boxes are located. The fire quickly spread throughout that portion of the building and then to the adjoining sections compeletely wiping out the church building complex. Chesswood Pastor, Howard Daniel, was not in the building at the time of the fire, but arrived shortly after it started. PolkCountyToday.com spoke with Pastor Daniel who was clearly emotionally shaken, but kept his composure. Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office initiated a preliminary investigation and was assisted by the City of Livingston Fire Marshal, Josh Mohler. Fortunately, the church (according to a member of the church staff) has insurance on the building, and there were no serious injuries in the incident. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing