January 9, 2016 - Hurst Street at the intersection with Roughrider Drive in Center was the scene of a two-vehicle crash on Thursday, January 7, 2016 where a Center Police Officer was almost struck by a vehicle.
As Shelby County Today arrived at the scene, Center Police Officer Jim Blackwell was seen directing traffic on the northbound Hurst Street outside traffic lane and adjoining Timpson Street traffic. As Officer Blackwell motioned traffic from Timpson Street onto Hurst Street, a black Mustang which had been stopped behind a patrol car in the inside traffic lane quickly pulled out into the outside traffic lane in the direction of Officer Blackwell. Before the car struck Officer Blackwell, the driver heeded his command to stop.
Officer Blackwell requested a license from the driver, and when he could not produce one, was ordered to exit the vehicle. Once it was determined a separate individual with a valid driver's license was in the Mustang, Officer Blackwell had that individual drive the Mustang out of the middle of the roadway so traffic could continue moving. He then placed Jose Huerta, 21, of Center in custody within a patrol car.
W
hile Officer Blackwell continued to direct traffic, Officer Steve Thornburgh investigated the crash. According to updated and corrected crash information provided by Center Police officer Steve Thornburgh, at 5:57pm a 2002 Black Expedition driven by Amy Perry, 20, of Joaquin was traveling south on Hurst Street turning left onto Timpson Street when it failed to yield right of way to oncoming traffic. At that time a 2012 Black Dodge pickup truck driven by John Boxley, 73, of Center was traveling north on Hurst Street when the Expedition struck the left front quarter panel of the Dodge, causing damage to both vehicles.
No injuries were reported at the scene and both drivers refused treatment. Perry was issued citations for no driver's license and fail to yield right of way. Huerta was cited for disregard a police officer and no driver's license.
