September 24, 2026 - FM 699 between SL 500 and Spur 699 was the scene of a single-vehicle rollover crash incident on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
Other travelers in the area stopped to help those involved and call 911. When emergency responders arrived at the location, they discovered a white SUV with occupants still inside. Four people had been inside the vehicle when the crash occurred, as well as four dogs.
Being the closest available law enforcement at the time of the call, Center Police Department Lieutenant Andrew Williams and Detective John Clevenger responded to the incident just outside of the city limits. They were followed by Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy Thomas Jernigan, as well as Tenaha Police Chief Michael Davidson.
When EMS personnel arrived, the officers assisted in extricating the last individual still in the car and moving her to a waiting ambulance.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, a white 2024 Chevrolet Equinox driven by Joseph Coolick II, 39, of Brookeland was southbound on FM 699.
It appeared the vehicle failed to drive in a single lane and traveled off the roadway top the left where it traveled through a ditch and came to rest on its side.
Passengers Irene Coolick, 51, and a 10-year-old male child were not reported to have been injured.
Terrie Thomas, 74, of Michigan was transported by ambulance to Shelby Emergency Department for possible injuries.
None of the dogs in the vehicle appeared to have been injured. The vehicle was towed from the scene by Hughes Wrecker Service.
The crash was investigated by Texas DPS Trooper Matt Chandler assisted by DPS Trooper Ashley Hughes.
Center Fire Department fire personnel were on scene
