Published: January 08, 2008 09:17 am         

Officer says obstructed view caused Friday wreck

A Henderson County Sheriff’s Department officer escaped injury Friday afternoon when the county vehicle he was driving struck a van at the intersection of Edmonson and Cream Level Road in North Athens.

According to Department of Public Safety reports, Sgt. Thomas Lee Robertson, 36, was driving a 2007 Ford pick-up east on Edmonson St. when the vehicle approached the intersection with Cream Level Road. Robertson attempted to make a left turn and struck the side of a 2006 Dodge Caravan driven by Sylvia De la Garza, 50, of Mabank.

De la Garza refused transport by ambulance and was taken by a private vehicle to East Texas Medical Center in Athens, where she was treated and released. Two small children who were passengers in the van were not injured.

DPS reports state Robertson’s view of the intersection was impaired by large brush and trees. In addition, a slight curve on Cream Level Road could have made it difficult to see the oncoming van.

Trooper Mitzi Storey investigated the wreck.

     

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