September 25, 2023 - State Highway 7 (SH7) East at the intersection of CR 1656 was the scene of a reported major two-vehicle crash Friday, September 22, 2023.
First responders to the scene of the crash were Center Police Department (CPD) officers and Center Fire Department (CFD) personnel. One pickup truck remained in the middle of the eastbound traffic lane and another involved had left the roadway and traveled through a fence at the edge of the Center Municipal Airport.
Accordng to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 10:15pm, a white 2012 Chevrolet pickup truck driven by Jose Avila, 23, of Center was traveling west on SH7. It is reported that a white 2020 Toyota pickup truck was traveling on FM 1656 and failed to yield to the Chevrolet at the stop sign, pulling into its path. The Toyota was struck by the Chevrolet on its front left.
The driver of the Toyota, identified as a 16-year-old female juvenile, was injured but refused treatment on scene. She was cited for failing to yield right-of-way at a stop sign. Her passengers, a 16-year-old and a 15-year-old, were not injured.
Avila and four passengers, a 16-year-old, a 17-year-old, a 7-year-old and a 12-year-old, were all uninjured. He was cited for not having a driver's license.
According to the DPS, there is no further information available.
Center Fire Department personnel remained on scene to assist with traffic control until the vehicle were removed, Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies were at the location to assist. The crash was investigated by DPS Trooper Chris Cain.
