July 19, 2016 - The Center Volunteer Fire Department assisted with traffic control in 100+ temperatures Tuesday evening shortly after 5pm due to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 7 West near the intersection of CR 1140.
According to Department of Public Safety State Trooper John Hallenbeck, a 2013 black Hyundai Tucson driven by Jordan Schmidt, 25 of Nacogdoches, was westbound on State Highway 7 when a 2012 white Lincoln MKT was attempting to pull out of a private driveway. The Lincoln driven by Mary Ann Lock, 67 of Center, entered the pathway of the Hyundai and struck the passenger side front quarter panel causing distributed damage down the side of the Hyundai. The front passenger side of the Lincoln received damage but was able to be driven off the roadway. The black Hyundai traveled across eastbound lanes of traffic and exited the roadway on the left coming to rest in the ditch.
ACE EMS arrived on scene; however, neither driver was transported by ambulance. Schmidt was taken by private vehicle to an area hospital for medical evaluation.
Five o'clock traffic was directed safely around the crash scene by Center Volunteer Firemen. The estimated heat outside at the time of the crash was 104 degrees.
The accident was investigated by DPS Trooper John Hallenbeck.
