PRESS RELEASE
July 28, 2011
Officers responded to a multi-vehicle accident in the 1000 block of W. Palestine on Thursday afternoon.
Gwen Evans, 53 of Bunkie, Louisiana was traveling westbound in the 800 blk. of W. Palestine Ave in a 2010 Honda Accord. Guy Evans, 69, also of Bunkie, Louisiana was in the front passenger seat of the Honda. According to witnesses, Evans was traveling at a high rate of speed when she struck a 2008 Jeep Wrangler near the intersection of W. Palestine Ave. and Conway.
Evans then continued around the Jeep, drove right, across both westbound lanes. Evans left the roadway and drove into the Pic and Go parking lot, 1009 W. Palestine Ave, where she struck the gas pump nearest to the building. Valentin Garcia, 26, of Palestine was pumping gas into his 2002 Chevrolet pickup when he observed Evans’ vehicle was traveling towards him. Garcia was able to jump out of the way, just before Evans’ vehicle struck the gas pump he was using. After striking the gas pump, Evan’s vehicle pushed both the gas pump and the Chevrolet into the store. The Chevorlet’s bed partially intruded into the inside of the store.
Store employee, Tammy Arnold, 51, of Palestine, was standing behind the counter inside of the store when the Chevrolet entered the store. Arnold was struck by an unknown object inside of the store after the collision. Once Guy and Gwen Evans were removed from the vehicle, they were transported to the PRMC ER by ambulance, both with non-life threatening injuries. Arnold was later transported to the PRMC ER by private vehicle with non-life threatening injuries.
There was no indication of alcohol being involved in the accident. Unsafe speed appears to be the contributing factor in this accident. Charges are pending.
