July 6, 2024 - State Highway 7 (SH7) East was the scene of a two-vehicle crash Friday, July 5, 2024, involving a passenger vehicle and a motorcycle at around 9pm.
According to information from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 8:40pm, a Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle ridden by Franklin Jackson II, 56, of Joaquin was traveling west, followed by a silver 2018 Hyundai Elantra passenger car driven by Jamesala Pucillo, 34, of Mansfield, La. It is reported that the Kawasaki slowed to make a left turn into a private drive and was struck in the rear by the Hyundai.
Jackson lost his life as a result of the incident and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Donna Hughes, Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1. Melba Rodgers, Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3, was also on scene.
He was later transported from the location by Watson & Sons Funeral Home.
EMS were on scene and transported Pucillo by ambulance to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for treatment of possible injuries.
DPS reports Pucillo was not injured, and displayed signs of intoxication and is facing intoxication charges and unlawful carrying of a weapon. This is an active and ongoing investigation, and no further information is available.
Personnel with the Center Fire Department, Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department (JVFD), and DeSoto Fire District 1 halted traffic at the intersection of U.S. Highway 84 and State Highway 7 in Joaquin, as well as State Highway 7 and FM 2608 in the James Community so Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers could investigate the scene of the crash and other traffic wouldn’t get caught stopped at the scene for several hours.
Additional units with JVFD had both ends of the scene closed near CR 3182 for approximately a mile to allow for DPS to perform their investigation assisted by Constables from Precincts 4 and 5, as well as the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office and Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.
The roadway was reopened at around 12:55am, July 6.
