TEXAS D.P.S. HAS BETTER DESCRIPTION OF TRUCK THAT STRUCK TROOPER

Video enhancement has assisted Texas Department of Public Safety troopers by providing a better description of a pickup that struck a trooper last month.

Trooper Jean Dark, Tyler DPS District public information officer, said Thursday that the enhancement efforts have identified the vehicle that struck trooper Sean Waterman on Dec. 22 as a newer model Ford truck.

“The truck is two-toned with a red body with a lighter tan or gray bottom. The vehicle also has Nerf bars and could be a step side. The right hand mirror was ripped off the truck and is being processed as evidence,” she said.

In earlier reports, Dark stated that Waterman was making a traffic stop about 1 a.m. on Interstate 20 at mile marker 559 when a red pickup drifted to the shoulder and struck Waterman. “The red pickup slowed down and pulled to the right, but did not stop. The truck left the scene and has not been located,” she said.

Waterman suffered minor injuries and was treated at Mother Frances Hospital.

Texas law requires motorists to slow down and change lanes when an emergency vehicle is stationary with emergency lights flashing. A violation could result in a fine not to exceed $500.