Openshaw

18 Wheeler vs SUV, No Injuries, GOODRICH, September 29, 2021 - At approximately 12:15 pm on September 29, 2021, the driver of an 18 wheeler was north-bound on US-59 in the vicinty of Goodrich (Truckstop). The 18 wheeler was in the fast lane when an elderly Arkansas couple pulled out of a parking lot into the north-bound lanes and attempted to veer to the crossover in order to get to the south-bound lanes but failed to yield to the 18 wheeler. The driver of the 18 wheeler applied his brakes but it wasn't enough to avoid a collision. The 18 wheeler impacted the back of the SUV (Silver 2019 Cadillac XTS). The impact basically pushed the SUV into the center median causing it to turn over on its passenger's side. Allegiance Abulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Troopers Donny Akers and Allen Stanton with the Texas Highway Patrol. Fortunately there were no injuries. Volunteers helped the couple out of their turned over SUV. The 18 wheeler was driven from the scene while the SUV was recovered by Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Pickup Rear Ends 18 Wheeler, Driver Flown, LIVINGSTON, September 27, 2021 - At approximately 1:40 pm on September 27, 2021, an 18 wheeler, driven by Triston Jamile Sims, 37, of Houston, was north-bound on US-59 a short distance north of the Livingston City Limits (across from Timberwood Nursing Home). Sims was apparently attempting a left turn into a cross over to the south-bound side and slowed down when he was rear ended by a 1991 Ford pickup driven by Freddy Marshall, Jr., 79, of Livingston. Marshall was north-bound behind the 18 wheeler and was apparently coming too fast and could not control his speed. The impact caused Marshall's pickup to leave the pavement to the left and come to rest in a residential front yard. 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 Corporal Ramey Bass with the Texas Highway Patrol. Sims pulled his rig to the south-bound side of 59. Marshall was trapped in his truck. Volunteer firemen used the Jaws-of-Life to cut the vehicle from around Marshall and extract him from his vehicle. Marshall was loaded into and ambulance and a landing zone was set up on the north-bound side of 59. An Air Rescue medical helicopter landed and transported Marshall to Conroe Regional Hospital with serious injuries. Sims was uninjured. All traffic on the north-bound side of 59 was blocked during investigation, cleanup, and flight operations. Marshall's pickup was recovered by a rollback wrecker from Fawbush Wrecker and will be stored in Goodrich. This accident remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

2 Vehicles Collide, 1 Person Flown, GOODRICH, September 24, 2021 - At approximately 1 pm on September 24, 2021, a white 2005 Chevy Silverado Pickup, driven by Kenneth Matthews, 54, of Goodrich, was north-bound on Loop 393. As Matthews was passing the intersection of FM-1988 (near First Baptist Church of Goodrich), a red 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue, driven by Darren McKee, 51, of Kansas City, Missouri, pulled off of 1988 directly in front of Matthews. Matthews' pickup T-Boned McKee's vehicle. Both vehicles came to rest on the pavement. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Goodrich Volunteer Fire Department, and Corporal Ramey Bass with the Texas Highway Patrol. McKee was loaded into an ambulance and transported to a landing zone setup at First Baptist Church of Goodrich, where an Air Life Medical Helicopter landed and transported McKee to Conroe Regional Hospital with serious injuries. Matthews was transported by ambulance to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. McKee was cited for failure to yield, and no insurance. Matthews was cited for no insurance. Both vehicles were recovered by Fawbush Wrecker Service and will be stored in Goodrich. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Car Slammed From Behind, No Injuries, SODA, September 24, 2021 - At approximately 5:10 pm on September 23, 2021, thdriver of a red 2012 Dodge Dart, was east-bound on US-190 East. The driver had stopped and was waiting to make a left turn when she was struck from behind by a white 2017 Ford F-350 that was coming up from behind her. The impact knocked the Dodge Dart into the west-bound lanes of traffic, while the Ford pickup came to rest on the right shoulder of the east-bound lanes of traffic. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department, and Trooper Nick Hatton with the Texas Highway Patrol. Fortunately, there were no injuries. The driver of the Ford pickup was cited for failure to control speed. Both Vehicles were recovered by Fawbush Wrecker Service out of Goodrich. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

5 Car Pile Up, Pregnant Woman Hospitalized, SEVEN OAKS, September 18, 2021 - At approximately 1:25 pm on September 18, 2021, there was a five car pile up in Seven Oaks that occurred when the driver of a silver Toyota Tundra did a sudden and unsafe lane change. The ill advised sudden lane change caused an 18 wheeler to bump the Tundra, spinning it around and knocking into another vehicle. When all was said and done, there was a five care pile up. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Corrigan and Livingston Volunteer Fire Departments, Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, and Trooper Ashlee White with the Texas Highway Patrol. The fifth car, a white KIA sedan, was driven by Kassie Hogg, 28, of Livingston. Hogg is in late pregnancy and appeared to be in pain. Hogg was transported by ambulance to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital. The driver of the silver Toyota Tundra was cited for the unsafe lane change. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Vehicles Collide, Alcohol Suspected, ALABAMA COUSHATTA COUNTRY, September 18, 2021 - At approximately 5:10 pm on September 18, 2021, a two vehicle accident just east of Richardson Road on 190 East Occurred when the driver of a blue Chevy Traverse, crossed the center line of the two lane road and side swiped a tan 2000 Chevy Silverado. The impact caused the Chevy pickup, driven by William Jefferson, 43, of Spring, to leave the pavement to the right and roll. Jefferson's vehicle came to rest upside down at the woodline. The Chevy Traverse, driven by Michael Helegda, 38, of Kountze, also left the pavement (to the left) and slammed head on into a tree. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Indian Springs Volunteer Fire Department, a nearby Game Warden, Alabama Coushatta Policemen, and Trooper Nick Hatton with the Texas Highway Patrol. Amazingly, Jefferson wasn't injured. Helegda was injured and was transported by ambulance to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital. Helegda is suspected of being intoxicated. There were several calls to the Polk County Sheriff's Office regarding Helegda's reckless driving. Helegda also reportedly struck another vehicle and kept going. Helegda smelled heavily of alcohol. Helegda was cited for driving with an invalid license and also may be facing the charge of driving while intoxicated. Helegda's vehicle was recovered by Kwik Tow and will be stored in Livingston. Jefferson's vehicle was recovered by Fawbush Wrecker and will be stored in Goodrich. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Pickups Collide, Both Drivers Hospitalized, LIVINGSTON, September 12, 2021 - At approximately 8:15 pm on September 12, 2021, a black 2015 Chevy Silverado, driven by Gary W. Clark, 64, was south-bound on Pan American Drive. As Clark was approaching the intersection of FM-1988 South (Next to Thomas Supply), a black 2021 Chevy Silverado, driven by Michael Louis Gonzalez, 38, of Houston, pulled directly in front of Clark (off of FM-1988). Clark's pickup slammed into the driver's side of Gonzalez's pickup knocking Gonzalez's pickup in to the weeds. Clark's pickup came to rest on the pavement. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with Officers Simmons, Donald Dyson, and Sergeant Chad Ward with the Livingston Police Department. Both Clark and Gonzalez were transported by ambulance to Kingwood Hospital with serious injuries. Traffic was not blocked during investigation and cleanup. Gonzalez was cited for failing to yield to Clark. Both vehicles were recovered by Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Cleveland Pursuit Ends in Livingston, LIVINGSTON, September 12, 2021 - Shortly after 9 pm on September 11, 2021, a pursuit that started in Cleveland with an apparent vehicle theft ended in Livingston when the driver struck another vehicle and rolled. The odd story (according to a witness) started when a mother and her 15 year old daughter were driving in Cleveland. The daughter said that they were flagged down by an acquaintance, Timothy Spell, 34, of Cleveland. According to the 15 year old daughter, they pulled into a convenience store. The mother got out to get something in the store. As she was coming out of the store, Timothy Spell jumped into the driver's seat and took off (leaving the mother behind, but still had the 15 year old child in the car). Spell allegedly was trying to escape police who were reportedly looking for him. Cleveland Police spotted the pickup (Black Ford F-150) and tried to initiate a stop, Spell decided to evade. The chase made it to US-59 North and was headed toward Polk County. The pursuit crossed the Trinity River Bridge and entered Polk County. As the pursuit continued on 59 Spell struck another vehicle (white Chevy Malibu with driver from Tyler). The impact caused the Malibu to leave the pavement to the right and slide into the median. Spell lost control of the pickup and rolled (also coming to rest in the median, upright). Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene. Also on the scene was several units from Cleveland Police Department, Livingston Police Department, the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Trooper Johnny Wilkerson with the Texas Highway Patrol. Amazingly, the girl, wasn't seriously injured. She did have a couple of minor cuts. During the pursuit, Timothy Spell allegedly sprayed the girl with pepper spray. The girl was visibly upset and shaking. Spell was taken into custody by Cleveland P.D. and taken back to Cleveland where he'll be in a lot of trouble. The Malibu was recovered by All Star Wrecker and will be stored in Livingston. The suspect pickup was recovered by a wrecker service out of Cleveland. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing Editor's Note: I'm no law expert, but I can possibly see Timothy Spell being charged for stealing the pickup, kidnapping the 15 year old girl, assault with a deadly weapon (striking another vehicle while fleeing the police), assaulting the girl for crashing with her in the vehicle, assaulting the girl with pepper spray, evading police (that's not counting other things that the Cleveland P.D. was already looking for him for).

IT'S MONTH-T0-MONTH, WE DON'T KNOW IF WE CAN FINANCIALLY SURVIVE... Polk County SPCA Rescues Dogs and Cats. They Can Use Volunteers and Donations... LIVINGSTON, September 2, 2021 - Before anything else, TONIGHT THE POLK COUNTY SPCA WILL BE HOLDING A DOG DAYS FUN TIME AT CHIC FILA IN LIVINGSTON FROM 5:30 pm TO 7:30 pm. The Polk County SPCA rescues dogs and cats and feeds and shelters them. They provide the dogs and cats with necessary medical attention and have them spayed and neutered. They are staffed by a handful of people and are maxed out on animal occupation. The pets kennells must be cleaned, the pets need to be walked (and they provide a safe fenced park to walk the dogs). If you can't afford to donate financially, you can volunteer to even just come in and help walk dogs. The dogs and cats are offered up for adoption and for a minimal fee (to cover medical expenses) you can adopt a healthy dog or cat that's been spayed or neutered. The Polk County SPCA is located in Livingston at 802 South Houston (US-146) on the south-bound side. You can visit their website at www.spcapolk.org, or you can call them at 936-755-3020. To donate on your cell phone text SPCAPOLK to 44-321.

Driver Slams Into Back of Tractor Trailer, Flown to Houston, LIVINGSTON, August 23, 2021 - At approximately 12:12 pm on August 23, 2021, an 18 wheeler, driven by Jake Harris, III, 55, of Frankfurt, Illinois, had pulled to the shoulder of US-59 North just north of Beauty Shop Road to take a phone call. While Harris was taking his call, he was slammed from behind by a 1999 Land Rover, driven by Charles LeBlanc, 44, of Livingston. LeBlanc was apparently distracted during his driving when he veered right and impacted Harris' rig. The impact caused LeBlanc to slide into a passing white 2017 Buick Envision, driven by Tajia Beavers, 51, of Livingston. LeBlanc's vehicle continued to slide and came to rest in the north-bound lanes of 59. Beavers pulled into a crossover section. Texan EMS was dispatched to the scene along with the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department Heavy Rescued Unit, and Trooper Ashlee White with the Texas Highway Patrol. LeBlanc appeared to have sustained serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital where a Air Life Medical Helicopter landed and transported him to Hermann Hospital in Houston. There were no other injuries. Traffic on the north-bound side of 59 was blocked during investigation and cleanup. LeBlanc is facing a citation for failure to maintain a single lane of traffic. LeBlanc's vehicle was recovered by Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston. Beavers' vehicle was recovered by Dan's Towing and will be stored in Livingston. Clifton Chevrolet out of Corrigan was summoned to recovered the 18 wheeler. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Corvette Wrecks with Small Car, No Injuries, LIVINGSTON, August 15, 2021 - At approximately 6 pm on August 15, 2021, the driver of a 2017 Chevy Corvette was east-bound on US-190 East. The driver of a late model Chevy Cruze pulled across 190 E from Walnut Ridge Road. The Corvette clipped the back of the Cruze causing the Cruze to spin around and slide into the west-bound lanes of traffic. The driver of the Corvette pulled to the shoulder. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with a Deputy from the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Trooper Cotye Lowrie with the Texas Highway Patrol. Fortunately there were no injuries. At time of press, no citations have been issued as the accident remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol. The Corvette was towed by LakeView Towing and will be stored in Livingston. The Chevy Cruze was recovered by Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Dump Truck Turns Over, No Injuries, LIVINGSTON, August 10, 2021 - At approximately 6:25 pm on August 11, 2021, the driver of a dump truck was east-bound on US-190 West (just east of the Corner Shell), when a vehicle pulled directly in front of the dump truck. The driver of the dump truck cut left to avoid slamming into the car. The driver lost control as the dump truck turned over and came to rest on the driver's side facing west. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Troopers Ashlee White and Cotye Lowrie with the Texas Highway Patrol. Fortunately nobody was injured. The driver of the car was cited in the accident. A heavy duty wrecker was sent for to recover the dump truck. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing and Coleen Provacek

Pursuit That Started in Shepherd Ends in Goodrich, GOODRICH, August 10, 2021 - Shortly after 10 pm on August 9, 2021, Trooper Linley Clark was on patrol in Shepherd. Trooper Clark had received a radio transmission about an erratic driver in a tan Ford pickup. Clark spotted a pickup that matched the description. When Clark attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver, Luis Torres-Almaraz, 28, of Madisonville, decided to evade. The chase led to US-59 North towards Polk County. During the pursuit, Almaraz crossed over to the south-bound side of 59, then back to the north-bound side of 59. Ultimately, the chase crossed over the Trinity River Bridge into Polk County. Almaraz pulled into the Valero station in Goodrich. Deputies from San Jacinto County pulled in behind Almaraz, then Trooper Clark pulled in front of Almaraz. Almaraz was blocked in. Pursuit over. When Deputies from San Jacinto County opened Almaraz's door, Almaraz decided to resist arrest. A San Jacinto County Deputy pulled Almaraz from the truck (as Almaraz coninued to fight and resist). Both the San Jac Deputy and Almaraz fell to the concrete. Two deputies managed to get cuffs on Almaraz and load him into a patrol unit. Deputies from Polk County and Trooper Ashlee White also arrived to assist. During a vehicle inventory, Trooper Clark found a balloon with some kind of pills inside. According to witnesses, Almaraz claims that he is the devil. Almaraz was transported back to San Jacinto County where he'll be facing charges. Pending an investigation, Almaraz may be facing a DWI. His vehicle was recoverd by East Texas Towing out of Shepherd. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Motorcyclist Tries to Evade, Crashes, Gets Caught, LIVINGSTON, August 8, 2021 - At approximately 8:33 pm on August 8, 2021, Deputy Johnny Wooten with the Polk County Sheriff's Office was patrolling on US-190 East when a motorcycle pulled directly in front of him in an unsafe manner. Deputy Wooten turned on his lights and attempted to stop the motorcycle, but the driver chose to evade. The pursuit proceeded west on 190 East. The suspect made a right turn onto North Houston and proceeded north towards US-59. The chase entered 59 and got up to 140 miles per hour. Shortly after getting onto the highway, the motorcycle started to smoke severely. The driver, Jakeb Lige Holman, 31, of Cleburn, left the pavement to the right and crashed into a ditch. By now Sergeant William Land had joined the pursuit. Sergeant Land pursued Holman on foot. Land warned Holman that if he didn't stop he'd be tazed. Holman continued to run and Land tazed Holman. Pursuit over. Holman was cuffed and brought back to the vicinity of the wreck (in the 117 block of 59 near Oakdale Loop). Allegedly during the foot pursuit, Holman ditched a bag of what appeared to be dope, but it is yet to be found. According to Holman he is out of parole and has a warrant out for his arrest. Holman was complaining that he had trouble breathing and was prone to have seizures. EMS personnel from Allegiance Ambulance Service arrived and transported Holman to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital. Holman's Yamaha motorcycle was recovered by Fawbush Wrecker Service and will be stored in Goodrich. Holman likely faces a lot of charges. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Driver Rolls Vehicle, Doesn't Know What Happned, GOODRICH, August 3, 2021 - At approximately 12:02 pm on August 3, 2021, a black Nissan Frontier, driven by Thomas Dean Maxam, 37, of Tomball, was south-bound on US-59. For some reason that is not yet known, Maxam's vehicle left the pavement to the left, entered the center median, struck a culvert and rolled. Maxam's vehicle rolled across the north-bound lanes of 59 and came to rest upright in the parking lot of the Goodrich Truck Stop (directly in front of Lone Star Charlie's restaurant). During the rollover, Maxam's passenger, Richelle Lynnae Calbert, 38, of Angleton, was ejected onto the pavement. Trooper Cotye Lowrie pulled up to the scene and observed Calbert's arm had a serious cut. Trooper Lowrie applied a tourniquet to Calbert's arm until EMS Personnel Arrived. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department, and Deputies with the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Both Maxam and Calbert survived the accident. Both were transported by ambulance to Kingwood Hospital. Traffic on the north-bound side of 59 was blocked during investigation and cleanup. It is not yet known what caused Maxam to suddenly leave the pavement. This accident remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol. The wreck was caught on video by a private security camera from a business in the immediate vicinity (see video below). Maxam'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

Motorcyclist Flown to Houston After Collision with Car, BLANCHARD, August 1, 2021 - At approximately 4:55 pm on August 1, 2021, a black 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan, driven by Raybon Theus, 62, of Livingston, was east-bound on FM-2457. Theus' motorcycle collided with a 2005 Ford Focus, driven by Dewana Hartman, 39, of Livingston. Hartman was west-bound on 2457 and attempted a left turn but failed to yield to an east-bound Theus. Theus' motorcycle struck the front passenger's side corner of Harman's vehicle. The impact ejected Theus about fifteen feet from the point of impact. Theus was not wearing a helmet. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Scenic Loop Volunteer Fire Department, Deputies with the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Trooper Ashlee White with the Texas Highway Patrol. Theus sustained serious injuries including what appeared to be a head injury. Hartman was physically okay. Theus was transported by ambulance to a landing zone set up on 2457 and flown by PHi Air Medical Helicopter to Herman Hospital in Houston. Traffic was Partially blocked during investigation and cleanup. Hartman was cited for failing to yield to Theus. Hartman's vehicle was recovered by Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston. Theus' motorcycle was recovered by LakeView Towing and will be stored in Livingston. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Wrong Way Driver Hits 18 Wheeler, Intoxication Suspected, LIVINGSTON, August 1, 2021 - At approximately 12 midnight on August 1, 2021, Livingston Police Department Dispatch radioed that there was a wrong way driver that was headed north-bound on US-59 in the south-bound lanes. Sergeant Adam Williford with Livingston P.D. spotted the vehicle south of Livington, a gray 2008 Ford F-250, driven by Roger Brown, 65, of Livingston. Sergeant Williford and other officers tried to get Brown to stop and was trying to protect unsuspecting other drivers. An Officer with Livingston Police Department spiked Brown's tires in North Livington. Brown continued north on 59 and finally slammed into the side of a south-bound 18 wheeler next to the radio station. The 18 wheeler was driven by Javier Martinez, of Humble. Livingston Police and Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office found Brown passed out in his vehicle. Brown would wake up, barely mumble, then go back to sleep. EMS Personnel from Allegiance Ambulance Service checked Brown's blood sugar (in case he was a diabetic going into diabetic shock). Brown's blood was perfectly fine. Trooper Ashlee White with the Texas Highway Patrol is investigating the accident. They were able to get Brown out of his vehicle and Brown appeared to be heavily intoxicated. Due to the crash, Brown was taken by Abulance to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital as a precautionary measure. Brown is likely facing a DWI. His pickup was recovered by Fawbush Wrecker and will be stored in Goodrich. A heavy-duty wrecker was sent for to recover the damaged 18 wheeler. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Head On Collision, One Flown to Houston, SWARTWOUT, July 31, 2021 - Shortly before 10 pm on July 30, 2021, a silver 2009 Lexus RX350, driven by David Torres, 48, of Livingston, was north-bound on FM-1988 near the Trinity River Authority. Torres suddenly had a head on collision when a south-bound blue 2003 Ford Ranger, driven by Ronald Scott Arnold, 61, of Cold Spring crossed the center line. Arnold had left the pavement to the right, then he overcorrected left and entered Torres' lane. The impact caused Arnold's pickup to turn over on its driver's side. Torres' vehicle remained upright, both were sitting in the middle of the road. Allegance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department, Sheriff Byron Lyons, and Troopers Nick Hatton and Lindley Clark with the Texas Highway Patrol. Arnold sustained serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to the CHI Livingston Helipad and flown to Houston. Torres and his passenger were transported by ambulanc to CHI as a precautionary measure. Arnold may be facing a DWI as alcohol was suspected. Torres' vehicle was recovered by Dan's Towing and will be stored in Livingston. Arnold's vehicle was recovered by All Star Towing and will also be stored in Livinston. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Possible Human Remains Found Off US-59, LIVINGSTON, July 29, 2021 - On Thursday evening, July 29, 2021, local law enforcement was working a wreck on US-59 just south of Livingston. A person fled the scene of the wreck. When a State Trooper and other local law enforcement were searching the area, one of them made a grisly discovery when they found what appears to be partial remains of a human skeleton just off the highway in a small patch of trees on the south-bound side of 59 just south of the Livingston City Limits. The bones had apparently been there for a long time and there were remains of a plastic trash bag with them. Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff's Office taped off the scene and immediately began an investigation. The remains were collected in an evidence bag and will be sent to Huntsville for confirmation of whether or not they're remains of a human. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Fleeing Criminal Rams Trooper Car Head On, LIVINGSTON, July 28, 2021 - At approximately 5 pm on July 28, 2021, a police pursuit started in the vicinity of US-146. Corporal Ramey Bass, with the Texas Highway Patrol was pursuing a gray Nissan Titan. The pursuit proceeded down Providence Road. The suspect had a good lead on Corporal Bass when he spun his vehicle around and came directly at Bass and struck Bass head on. Amazingly, both vehicles were still drivable. The chase made its way back to 146 and continued north towards Livingston with multiple other law enforcement agencies joining in the pursuit. The suspect continued to North Livingston and drove under the US-59 under pass next to the Junior High School where he entered the curve too fast and momentarily lost control. The suspect nearly regained control of his vehicle, but Bass had pulled his unit up to the suspect vehicle and forced him off the road into the grass. Pursuit halted. The suspect was immediately taken into custody, cuffed and loaded into a Sheriff's Office patrol unit and transported to Polk County Jail. At time of press, there's much information yet to be ascertained in this story. PolkCountyToday.com will post an update with all the details (including the suspect's name, age and town) as soon as we're able to ascertain the information. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Pickup and Minivan Collide, Minivan Rolls, GOODRICH, July 26, 2021 - At approximately 2:15 pm on July 26, 2021, a black 2019 Dodge Caravan, driven by Noete Flores, 46, of Houston, was north-bound on US-59. Flores moved left to change lanes and was clipped by a white 2014 Dodge Ram pickup, driven by David Barker, 44, of Livingston. Barker was behind Flores and was coming too fast as his front driver's side fender scraped Flores' rear passenger's side fender. The impact caused Flores' vehicle to leave the pavement to the left and roll. Flores' vehicle came to rest upright in the center median. Barkers' vehicle also slide into the center median. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with Troopers Donny Akers, Ashlee White, and Nick Hatton with the Texas Highway Patrol. Flores appeared to have a sore back and was transported by ambulance to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital. Barker and his two passengers were physically okay. Barker was cited for failure to control speed. Flores' vehicle was recovered by Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston. Barker's vehicle was recovered by Fawbush Wrecker and will be stored in Goodrich. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Pickups Collide, 1 Catches Fire, SCHWAB CITY, July 25, 2021 - At approximately 3:15 pm on July 25, 2021, a 2013 Dodge Ram Pickup, driven by Dennis Helms, 68, of Livingston, was north-bound on US-146 (about a mile south of FM-2610). According to Helms, he saw a pedestrian walking and decided to turn around to offer a ride. Helms executed a U-turn but failed to yield to a south-bound white 2013 GMC Sierra, driven by James Herridge, 39, of Buna. Herridge's pickup impacted Helms' pickup. The impact caused Herridge to leave the pavement to the right and into the grass. Helms' pickup caught fire in the middle of 146. Helms was able to exit his vehicle safely. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the South Polk County and Holiday Lake Estates Fire Departments and Troopers Ashlee White and Nick Hatton with the Texas Highway Patrol. Helms' vehicle became engulfed in flames. Firemen were able to extinguish the fire, but the pickup was just a burned shell. Amazingly, neither driver was injured. Helms was cited for the illegal turn that caused the accident. Helms' vehicle was recovered by Dan's Towing and will be stored in Livingston. Herridge's vehicle was recovered by Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston.

Big Thicket Man Killed in Motorcycle Crash in Goodrich, GOODRICH, July 17, 2021 - At approximately 1:30 am on July 17, 2021, a call was placed to the Polk County Sheriff's Office in reference to a motorcycle crash. The caller drove upon the wreck which had happened a short time before. A Harley Davidson three wheel motorcycle, driven by Daniel Robert Garmong, 59, of Big Thicket was east-bound on River Lakes Road and attempted a left turn onto FM-2969 and went into the turn too fast. Garmong lost control of his motorcycle and left the pavement to the right and rolled. Garmong was ejected and was found deceased about 100 feet further north from his trike. He was not wearing a helmet. Troopers Allen Stanton and Kevin Burman with the Texas Highway Patrol were dispatched to investigate. They were assisted by Sergeant John Carter with the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Justice of the Peace, Darrell Longino performed an inquest. A first-call car from Cochran Funeral Home transported Garmong from the scene to the Jefferson County Medical Examiner's Office. This accident remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Garbage Truck Rollover, LIVINGSTON, July 13, 2021 - At approximately 4:30 am on July 13, 2021, a garbage truck, owned by Piney Woods Camp, and driven by Larry Ruthven, 50, of Livingston, was south-bound on US-59 in South Livingston. According to Ruthven, he choked on his coffee and it caused him to lose control of his truck. His vehicle left the south-bound lanes of 59 to the left, entered the center median, continued across the median and entered the north-bound lanes where his vehicle turned over and rolled. The garbage truck continued in the same direction and left the pavement to the left where the truck came to rest in the grass on the right side of the north-bound lanes of 59 right at the Livingston City Limits sign. Texan EMS Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with Officer Donald Dyson with the Livingston Police Department. Dyson was assisted by other officers with Livingston PD, Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Trooper Nick Hatton with the Texas Highway Patrol. Ruthven was uninjured and refused treatment, his passenger in the truck, Adron Cooper, 33, of Leggett, sustained injuries and was transported by ambulance to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital. The garbage truck was recovered by Riley Wrecker Service out of Corrigan. This accident remains under investigation by the Livingston Police Department. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing

Car Fails to Yield, Gets Broadsided by 18 Wheeler, BLANCHARD, July 10, 2021 - At approximately 10:20 pm on July 9, 2021, an 18 wheeler, driven by Antonio Hernandez, 44, of Laredo, was east-bound on US-190 West. As Hernandez was about to pass FM-2457 (next to the Corner Shell), a red 2015 Ford Escape, driven by Anna Marie Mann, 50, of Livingston attempted to cross over from the west-bound side of 190 to FM-2457 but failed to yield to Hernandez. Hernandez's 18 wheeler broadsided the passenger's side of Mann's vehicle. The impact pushed Mann's vehicle into the grassy median as her vehicle rolled and came to rest upright. Hernandez's rig came to rest on 190. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Scenic Loop and Livingston Volunteer Fire Departments, and Troopers Donny Akers and Kevin Burman with the Texas Highway Patrol. Emergency personnel removed Man from her vehicle as she was loaded into and ambulance and transported to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital with undisclosed injuries. Hernandez was not injured. Traffic on the east-bound side of 190 was partially blocked during investigation and cleanup. Mann was cited for failure to yield at the crossover. Mann's vehicle was recovered by Dan's Towing and will be stored in Livingston. Hernandez's vehicle was recovered by Clifton Chevrolet out of Corrigan. Special thank you: Ken with Ken's Towing