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August 15, 2016 - Center Fire Department responded to a house fire on Tuesday August 2, 2016 located at 306 Travis Street. Center Police Department officers were called out because the fire was suspicious in nature which led to Detectives being called out.
Lead Detective Stephen Stroud and Detective David Haley processed the scene with Chief Byndom and determined that it could only be a deliberate fire. Detectives canvased the area for witnesses where it was discovered that two suspects were seen in the area at the time of the arson. They are identified as 32 year old Shaddrick Tawan McCollister and 17-year-old Michael Casey Jr.
Upon interviewing the subjects, Casey confessed he and McCollister set the fire and provided details that only the suspect could know. During the investigation, Detective Stroud discovered McCollister was responsible for an unsolved arson that took place at Hidden Creek Trailer Park trailer, #303 on August 29, 2015.
Suspect Shaddrick Tawan McCollister was arrested on August 10, 2016 at the Shelby County Sheriff's Department where he received a personal recognizance bond and was released by the Sheriff's Department.
On August 12, 2016 Michael Casey Jr was arrested for the Arson at 306 Travis Street and transported to the Center Police Department where Maxie Eaves, Justice of the Peace Pct. 1, gave him a $4,000 bond.
On August 12, 2016 Shaddrick Tawan McCollister was arrested for the 2015 arson case that took place at Hidden Creek Trailer park. He was transported to the Center Police Department where Judge Eaves gave him a $4,000 bond.
Detective Stroud advised that McCollister is a danger to our community, and is currently out on bond from two other arson cases, from 2012. In one of the cases McCollister set fire to a residence where the family was asleep when the fire began. McCollister did confess to both 2012 Arson cases.
Detective Stroud is working closely with assistant District Attorney Stephen Shires to ensure the safety of our community.
Related story
Center PD Makes Arrest in Travis Street Arson
Center FD Fights Travis Street House Fire; PD Opens Arson Investigation
August 15, 2016 - Hurst Street at the intersection of Crawford Street in Center was the scene of a two-vehicle crash Wednesday, August 10, 2016.
When officers arrived at the scene, both vehicles were sitting in the inside lane of Hurst Street where the collision occurred. ACE EMS arrived and extracted several children, including one from the front seat of the front vehicle.
According to Center Police Officer John Welch, at around 5:38pm a white 1998 Honda Civic driven by Melba Patton, 80, of Center was traveling north on Hurst Street and was stopped preparing to make a left turn onto Crawford Street.
A black 2013 Dodge Challenger driven by April Holloway, 33, of Center was also traveling north in the same lane as the Civic when the Challenger collided with the rear of the Civic, causing damage to both vehicles.
When EMS personnel arrived, they moved three children and the driver of the Civic and two children from the Challenger to an ambulance on scene.
Patton and her passengers including two male children age two and three and a 5-year-old female passenger were all transported by ambulance to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department for treatment. Also transported were Holloway and two female passengers from the Challenger age 14 and 11.
Patton was issued a citation for expired registration and citations for three unrestrained children.
August 12, 2016 - An arrest has been made in connection with a house fire that occurred in Center on August 1, 2016.
Shaddrick Tawan McCollister, 32, of Center was arrested on August 10, 2016 and charged with arson, felony 2.
The Center Fire Department responded to the fire located at 306 Travis Street and after extinguishing the flames, requested Center Police Department officers for an apparent suspicious situation.
According to the arrest affidavit, the residence did not have electricity at the time of the fire and it was explained the fire burned from the attic down with a few small fires set in the pantry.
The affidavit indicates a gas can was taken from a yard in the area and gas was poured in the attic. Paper was lit on the pantry floor and gasoline in the attic.
McCollister was released on a $2,000 PR bond. The investigation into this incident is still ongoing.
Related article:
Center FD Fights Travis Street House Fire; PD Opens Arson Investigation
Center PD Update on Arson Investigation; Arrests Second Suspect
August 3, 2016 - (Update): Testing has been completed and the Boil Water Notice for Possum Trot, Oakdale, and New Harmony areas is lifted.
It is no longer necessary to boil the water prior to consumption.
Due to a leak and water line break, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required the City of Huxley water system PWS 2100019 to notify customers of the need to boil their water in the Oakdale, New Harmony, and Possum Trot areas prior to consumption.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to use. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the water system officials will notify you that the water is safe for consumption. Instructions to discontinue boiling will be issued in the same manner as this notice.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Huxley City Hall at 936-368-2266 or Huxley Water Treatment Plant at 936-368-2633.
11:44 AM CDT Thursday, August 11, 2016
August 11, 2016 - The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Sevier, Howard, Little River, Hempstead, Nevada, Miller, Lafayette, Columbia, Union, Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Lincoln, De Soto, Red River, Bienville, Jackson, Ouachita, Sabine, Natchitoches, Winn, Grant, Caldwell, La Salle, McCurtain, Bowie, Franklin, Titus, Camp, Morris, Cass, Wood, Upshur, Marion, Smith, Gregg, Harrison, Cherokee, Rusk, Panola, Nacogdoches, Shelby, Angelina, and San Augustine at 11:44 AM CDT Thursday, August 11, 2016.
This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of South Central Arkansas, Southwest Arkansas, North Central Louisiana, Northwest Louisiana, Southeast Oklahoma, East Texas and Northeast Texas.
Day one...this afternoon and tonight...
The combination of hot temperatures and elevated relative humidity values will result in heat index values from 105-110 degrees for much of East and Northeast Texas, Southeast Oklahoma, South Arkansas and parts of Northwest Louisiana. Showers and thunderstorms can be expected through the afternoon and any strong storms will have the capability of producing strong wind gusts, frequent cloud to ground lightning and brief heavy downpours.
Days two through seven...Friday through Wednesday...
Cooler temperatures expected on Friday for much of the region with showers and thunderstorms becoming more numerous and widespread into the weekend and lingering through much of next week. This due to the combination of a cold front approaching from the north and becoming nearly stationary with abundant gulf moisture feeding into the area. Rainfall will be heavy at times and the area will see amounts of one to three inches with higher amounts of four to over seven inches possible across North Louisiana and South Arkansas.
Spotter information statement...
Activation of emergency management personnel...amateur radio operators...and storm spotters will not be needed today or tonight.
10:47 AM CDT Thursday, August 11, 2016
August 11, 2016 - National Weather Service issues a heat advisory which remains in effect until 7 pm for much of East and Northeast Texas, Southeast Oklahoma, Southwest and South Central Arkansas, and parts of Northwest and North Central Louisiana including the cities of Mansfield, Stonewall, Logansport, Nacogdoches, Center, and Lufkin until 10:47 AM CDT Thursday, August 11, 2016.
- Event...hot temperatures and elevated relative humidity levels will combine to produce heat index readings between 105 and 108 degrees.
- Timing...through the remainder of the afternoon.
- Impact...heat related illnesses are possible. Caution is recommended for those who will be outdoors and for persons without air-conditioned residences.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency... Call 9-1-1.
A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids... Stay in an air-conditioned
Room... Stay out of the sun... And check up on relatives and neighbors.
Update: Mr. Byndom was located safe in Newton County.
August 10, 2016 - The Shelby County Sheriff's Department has issued a silver alert and is seeking assistance in locating a Shelbyville man.
V.K. Byndom, 78, is 5'8" tall 220 lbs, with grey/balding hair, and brown eyes. He was last seen leaving Gates Chapel Church last night, August 9, 2016 (Shelbyville) driving a red over gray 2003 Ford extended cab. Texas Lp #DZM1468.
Anyone with information is asked to please call the Shelby County Sheriff's Office at 936-598-5600.
August 10, 2016 - According to Constable Pct 3 Billy Hearnsberger, there was a business burglary last night at B & N Auto located at 11983 U.S. Hwy 84E in Joaquin, Texas. Multiple hand tools, electronics, lawn care equipment and cash were taken. Entry was made into the yard by cutting a large hole through the cyclone fence.
Center Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information. Anyone who has information regarding this crime should call Center Crime Stoppers at 936-598-SAFE (7233) or submit a tip online at www.centercrimestoppers.com. Remember you don't have to give your name. All calls and cash rewards are completely anonymous. Rewards will only be paid on tips submitted through the Center Crime Stoppers system.
August 9, 2016 - The Shelby County Sheriff's Department was dispatched to a crash on FM 139 just north of FM 2747 1:55am Monday, August 8, 2016.
Deputies arrived at the scene and located a grey Toyota Camry which had been traveling north when it left the roadway to the right in a curve and struck a tree head-on.
The driver Billy Greer, 67, of Shelbyville was bleeding seriously from the head and ACE EMS, who was later dispatched to the scene, transported him to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department for treatment.
Investigating the crash is Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Daniel Dellinger.
August 9, 2016 - A Shelbyville man lost his home to fire Saturday, August 6 and the Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD) was dispatched to the scene.
Firemen were dispatched to the fire located directly across the street from Lout Town Grocery at 1:30pm. When firemen arrived in that area, no fire or smoke was in sight. A search then began attempting to locate the fire.
The fire was discovered to actually be just over three miles south of the dispatch location and the fire was fully involved. The firemen were able to extinguish the flames, preventing further spread.
According to the SVFD, the resident of the home, Jack Cartwright, was not at the house during the time of the fire.
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