Officer Chris Rankin

Public Information Officer

903-798-3187 (office) 903-260-0294 (pager)

903-824-4199 (cell) 903-798-3023 (fax)

Texarkana Arkansas Police Badge

Re: Vehicle/Train Accident

On 11/26/07 at 1050am Texarkana Arkansas Police responded to a one vehicle accident involving a train. The accident occurred at the railroad intersection in the 100 block of Draughn Street in the College Hill neighborhood.

Upon arrival to the scene officers discovered that the driver of a 1999 Lincoln had driven through the crossing arms and struck the last car of a 109 car Union Pacific train. Upon further investigation it was determined that the driver of the car, Perry Dillard 62y.o.a., possibly suffered a blackout due to pre-existing medical conditions. Dillard's vehicle was travelling southbound approaching the railroad intersection and the guard rails were lowered at the time of the collision.

After striking the train, Dillards' vehicle was pushed into the base of a signal light post where it came to rest. The vehicle was believed to be a total loss. There was no reported damage to the train. Mr. Dillard suffered a cut to the forehead and was transported to St. Michael Hospital for treatment. No injuries were reported by the train crew.

Thank you and you can visit the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department online at http://www.txkusa.org/arkpolice.