Monday February 23rd a chevy truck loaded down with scrap metals took out the utility pole that operates the signal light at the intersection of Dick Price Road and Kennedale Parkway.

Chief Tommy Williams of the Kennedale Police Department released the following information: “On 02-23-2009 an fatality traffic incident occurred at approximately 5:25 am at the corner of Kennedale Parkway and Dick Price Road. At 5:21 am Officer Nathan Dancer stopped a blue/gray 1994 Chevrolet pick-up in the 1100 block of Kennedale Parkway. The pick-up driver had committed a traffic violation and Dancer recognized the truck as matching a vehicle that had evaded Forest Hill PD earlier in the shift. The driver had allegedly driven off from a Forest Hill officer while stating that he intended to harm himself. Due to the possible threat of self-harm, Officer Dancer called for a backup officer and asked the driver to remain in the truck. At 5:24 the truck began to drive away from Dancer at a slow speed and re-entered the parkway. As Dancer followed the truck, the driver accelerated and drove straight into the signal light standard on the corner. The driver was pinned in the truck and had to be extricated by Kennedale Fire/Rescue personnel. The driver, later identified as 33 year old Jeromy Sturdivant, was pronounced deceased at John Peter Smith Hospital. Tarrant County Sheriffs Office responded and worked a crash report due to Kennedale P.D. being involved in the stop just prior to the driver hitting the pole. The incident is being considered a death investigation rather than an accident because of the driver’s intentional actions. The case report will be presented to the Tarrant County District Attorney’s office for review.”

The signal light at the intersection remains inoperable and stop signs are currently being used.

Photo courtesy Kennedale Police Department

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