Three-Vehicle Collision in Joaquin at U.S. 84, SH 7 Intersection

April 1, 2015 - The intersection of State Highway (SH) 7 East and U.S. Highway 84 was the scene of a three-vehicle collision in Joaquin Wednesday.

As the intersection was blocked by one vehicle involved in the crash, the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department initiated traffic control to keep traffic flowing. Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers were investigating the crash scene as many Center Police officers arrived to check on their comrade.

One driver was injured in the collision and it happened to be Center Police Sgt. Scott Burkhalter, who was off-duty at the time. ACE EMS was on scene and was seeing to Burkhalter's injuries.

According to Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) State Trooper Keith Jones, at 3:41pm a black 2010 Ford Edge SUV owned and operated by Scott Brandon Burkhalter, 34, of Joaquin was traveling east on State Highway 7 East and was attempting to make a left turn onto US Highway 84.

A white 2015 Peterbilt owned by Pinnacle Propane LLC. hauling propane canisters and driven by John Reagan Moore Jr., 28, of Longview was traveling on U.S. Highway 84 toward State Highway 7. Burkhalter stated he had a green arrow and at the tine he turned left Moore stated he had a green light, and the Peterbilt struck the right side of the Edge.

As the Peterbilt continued through the intersection and into a parking lot beside State Highway 7, it struck a maroon 2014 Ford F-150 owned by Kenneth Weeks which was parked in the lot.

Burkhalter was transported from the scene by ACE EMS to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department for treatment of his injuries. The crash remains under investigation at this time. Trooper Jones was assisted at the scene by DPS Troopers Cpl. Jimmy Faulkner and Anthony LaCount.