Truck driver arrested, charged
By Emily Banks Wooten
A 15-year-old Livingston High School freshman was killed, and a Texarkana truck driver was arrested and charged with criminal negligent homicide, a felony offense, following a crash that occurred on U.S. 59 just north of Livingston Thursday. Gregory Jackson, 41, who was uninjured, was transported to the Polk County Jail where he remains under a $250,000 bond.
The Texas Department of Public Safety’s investigation remains ongoing, but the preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 4:17 p.m. a Livingston ISD school bus was northbound and stopped in the outside lane with its flashing red lights and stop sign extended to off load a child. Behind the school bus was a Toyota passenger vehicle. It is reported that a truck tractor semi-trailer was traveling north and struck the rear of the passenger car and then veered right, where he struck the teen in the driveway.
The driver of the Toyota, Autumn Witt, 28 of Lufkin, was uninjured. The teen, identified as a 15-year-old male, was pronounced dead at the scene by a Polk County justice of the Peace.
“At times like this, we are reminded how precious life can be and how fragile each life truly is. It is sad when our district loses a member of its family. It is even more tragic when such a young life is taken away from us. We extend our thoughts and sincere condolences to family and friends,” a statement from Livingston ISD said.
“All of our counselors are available to listen and help any students needing assistance. We are fortunate to have a team of experienced counselors who can provide much-needed comfort to our students and staff,” the statement continued.
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