June 11, 2025 - Shelby County roadways became particularly hazardous as evidenced by two crashes that took place Sunday, June 8, 2025, within minutes of one another.
State Highway (SH7) 7 West, near County Road 1140 became blocked due to a two-vehicle incident at that location and fire personnel with the Center Fire Department were able to divert traffic along CR 1140 until the scene could be cleared.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), at approximately 6:08pm, a black 2018 Chevrolet driven by Eshawn Randle, 52, of Beaumont was traveling west, followed by a 1995 Kenworth truck tractor semi-trailer driven by Adrian Johnson, 26, of Center.
It is reported that the Chevrolet slowed down due to the heavy rain and some debris in the roadway and was struck in the rear by the truck tractor.
Randle was transported to Shelby Emergency Department for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Johnson was also transported to Shelby Emergency Department for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Approximately three minutes following the incident on SH7, a Shelby County Sheriff’s Department vehicle was involved in a crash incident on U.S. Highway 96 South near the intersection of FM 417. When officers arrived, the vehicle was on its passenger side and was on the southbound side of the roadway.
According to the Texas DPS, at approximately 6:11 p.m., the Sheriff’s Department unit driven by Deputy George Watson was responding to an emergency call while traveling north. It is reported that Deputy Watson lost control during a period of heavy rain and traveled into the ditch where he overturned.
Deputy Watson, was transported to Shelby Emergency Department for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
According to DPS, there is no further information available.
Both crash incidents were investigated by Cpl. Trooper David Shields, Jr.
