U.S. Highway 96 South Scene of Two-Vehicle Crash

Composed by Scott Flowers

October 12, 2015 - U.S. Highway 96 South was the scene of a two-vehicle crash at 11:25am on Sunday, October 11, 2015 with all parties involved being taken to the hospital.

Officers with the Shelby County Sheriff's Department, Center Police Department and Zach Warr, Constable Precinct 1, were first on scene at the crash. Shelby County Today was on scene as the officers provided traffic control three miles south of Center at County Road 1024 where the roadway was blocked while ACE EMS checked those involved for injuries.

According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Anthony LaCount, a black Ford Ranger driven by Gary Belrose, 67, of Center was traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 96.

Belrose stated be felt like he blacked out, he crossed the roadway to the left into oncoming traffic and struck head-on a red Chevolet C1500 pickup truck driven by James Lumen, 49, causing major damage.

Lumen, his passenger James Halbert, 32, and Belrose were all transported by ACE EMS to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department for treatment of minor injuries.

Belrose was issued a citation for driving on the wrong side of the roadway in a no passing zone.