January 9, 2024 - State Highway 7 East outside of Center was the scene of a two-vehicle crash on Saturday, January 6, 2024.
Emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene of the crash just under 3/4 of a mile from SL 500 at around 11:54am where the Center Fire Department and Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department were in the middle of a house fire training. The fire personnel were able to break away from their training and immediately assist those involved.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Keith Jones, a silver 2015 Chevrolet Cruz driven by Samantha Ann Gordon, 47, of Center was eastbound on State Highway 7 East on the shoulder when Gordon made a u-turn to go back west. In doing so, the Chevrolet crossed the center line after completing the u-turn and into eastbound traffic. The Chevrolet then struck a red 2004 Pontiac Aztek driven by Elizabeth Miller Bridges, 73, of Joaquin which was traveling eastbound.
The Pontiac came to rest partially in the east and westbound traffic lanes, facing south, and the Chevrolet came to rest in the westbound traffic lane, also facing south.
Gordon and her passenger Stacy Oates, 49, were transported to Nacogdoches Medical - Shelby Emergency Department for medical evaluation.
Bridges refused treatment by EMS at the scene.
Gordon was issued citations for wrong side of roadway not passing and no driver’s license.
Traffic was backed up until the vehicles could be removed from the roadway. Hughes Wrecker Service towed both vehicles from the location.
Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies assisted at the incident location.
