March 25, 2024 - State Loop (SL) 500 just over an 1/8th of a mile east of Noble Street overpass in Center was the scene of a major single-vehicle crash Sunday, March 25, 2024 around 5:30pm.
According to Center Police Department, a 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis driven by Cornelius Richard, 25, of Center was traveling northeast on SL 500 at approximately 65 mph and failed to control speed driving onto the improved shoulder on the right and conducted a faulty evasive maneuver to the left. The vehicle then failed to drive in a single lane and collided with the guardrail on the opposite side of the roadway which caused the vehicle to make a 180 degree turn and ejecting the driver approximately 30 feet from the vehicle before the Mercury came to rest and the base of the embankment.
Richard is suspected to have been driving without wearing his seatbelt. He was transported by EMS to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department with suspected major injury.
Center Police Officer Garrett Rocchi investigated the crash and was assisted by Sgt. Brian Wright, in addition to Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers and Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.
