Kennedale funeral procession turns angry following accident

by Tammy Jones of Kennedale News

The following information was released by Kennedale Police Chief Tommy Williams:

"On 08-10-2009, at 12:38 pm, officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Kennedale Parkway on an accident with injuries. At the same time a motorist contacted an officer in the parking lot of the Wells Fargo Bank in the 200 block of Kennedale Parkway. Forest Hill police officers were also on scene. After speaking with all parties involved, the officers determined that a white 1998 Dodge truck had been attempting to enter I-20 eastbound at Forest Hill Drive. The operator of the Dodge truck unknowingly cut into a funeral procession that was eastbound on the freeway and, in doing so, made contact with a vehicle in the procession. As the group exited at Kennedale Parkway the Dodge truck pulled over to speak with the other vehicle and exchange information.

"As he did so he was surrounded by a number of vehicles from the procession. The procession members, believing that the Dodge truck operator had intentionally interrupted the procession, surrounded the truck and attempted to enter it. The driver of the Dodge truck became fearful and pulled out to leave. In doing so he backed into a second vehicle that was stopped behind the truck. As he drove around the procession a third vehicle, a motorcycle, tried to block his truck. The Dodge truck stuck the motorcycle and kept going. The motorcycle operator apparently followed the truck and either attempted to stop him again or force him into the center turn lane. When this occurred the motorcycle and rider were both struck and the rider was injured. The truck operator stopped at the first police officer he saw to report the incident.

"It is unknown at this time if charges will be filed. The D.A.’s office is being consulted to determine if any of the events rises to the level needed for a prosecutable case. All subjects were released at the scene following interviews."

A personal note, earlier this year, I unknowingly interrupted a funeral procession on Kennedale Parkway, and the motorcycle attendant aggressively buzzed me.