TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY – Wood County: Auto / Pedestrian Fatal Crash 12/28/2022

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Number of Vehicles in Crash: 1            Number of Injured: 1                    Number killed: 1

Date & Time: 12/28/2022  6:35 P.M.

County: Wood

Location: US 80, .5 mile east of Mineola, Texas

Posted Speed Limit: 70 mph

Vehicle 1: 2003 Toyota Camry

Driver 1:

Jacob C. Batchelder, male, 30 YOA of Mineola, Texas.

Seatbelt: Yes

Incapacitating injuries, transported to UT Health in Quitman, Texas

Pedestrian: Deceased

Justin K. Fitzgerald, male, 30 YOA of Mineola, Texas

Pronounced By: Dr. David Villarreal of UT Health Hospital in Tyler, Texas, at 8:13 P.M.

Description:

Preliminary investigation indicates that the pedestrian was fleeing from police on foot and ran into the lanes of travel on US 80 and was struck by Vehicle 1.

Weather Condition: Clear

Road Conditions: Dry

Investigated By: Trooper S. Waterman, DPS Mineola

A preliminary crash report will be available for purchase online in 10 days. Link: https://cris.dot.state.tx.us/public/Purchase/crashReportSearch.htm

Adam Albritton, Sergeant

Texas Department of Public Safety

Media Communications / Safety Education

North Texas Region