February 19, 2016 - State Highway 7 East near Loop 500 was the scene of a single-vehicle wreck on Friday, February 19, 2016.
The Center Police Department had just been dispatched to the scene when Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Ricardo Segura arrived on scene. The Center Fire Department was requested when it was determined the driver of the vehicle was trapped.
Center fire personnel arrived at the location in front of Paradise Villa Apartments, Jaws of Life were deployed as well as pry bars and the firemen worked to extricate the driver until he was freed and moved to a waiting ambulance.
According to Center Police Officer John Welch, at 10:41am Ricky McCowin, 44, of Center was traveling west on State Highway 7 East in a blue 1998 Buick LeSabre when he left the roadway to the left.
The Buick traveled up and embankment and through a cyclone fence before entering the front lawn of Paradise Villa Apartments where it struck several hedges and flipped over. The Buick then rolled backwards on its wheels into the east bound shoulder of State Highway 7 and came to rest facing west.
McCowin was transported by ACE EMS to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department for treatment of his injuries.
Officer Welch issued McCowin citations for no driver's license, no insurance, no seat belt, and unsafe speed.
