February 26, 2016 - EZ Mart on Tenaha Street was the scene of a two-vehicle crash Friday, February 26, 2016 from which three were hospitalized and two were arrested.
According to Center Police Officer Angela Neal, at 3:47pm a white Dodge Charger traveling south driven by Alderea Berry, 24, of Center was stopped and preparing to make a left turn into the EZ Mart. According to witnesses at the scene the left turn indicator was active on the Dodge.
A 2001 Chevrolet 3500 pickup truck driven by Timothy McKnight, 20, of Joaquin approached from behind the Dodge and failed to control speed, striking the rear of the Dodge. This left the truck in the middle of the roadway and the Dodge came to rest on the northbound shoulder facing north.
Crystal Hubbard 26 of Center was in the front passenger seat of the Dodge and Elijah Cotton, 27, of Center was in the right-rear passenger seat. They both were transported by ACE EMS to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department for treatment of their injuries. Jarvis Johnson, 26, of Center was in the left-rear passenger seat of the Dodge and he was transported by Life-Air helicopter to an as yet unidentified hospital.
Center Police Officer Sgt. Ricky King and Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Taylor Buster assisted Officer Neal in her investigation of the crash. Trooper Buster administered a breathalyzer test on McKnight.
McKnight was placed in handcuffs at the scene and was taken into custody. He has been charged with failure to control speed, driving under the influence, failure to maintain financial responsibility and no insurance. McKnight reportedly consumed a beer which was noticeable on his breath.
Spencer Kinman, 23, of Carthage was a passenger in the Chevrolet. He was arrested at the scene for contributing alcohol to a minor which is a class a misdemeanor.
The Center Fire Department assisted at the scene with traffic control and establishing the landing zone for the helicopter.
