Trooper Terrence Dickens places 55 year old Jerry Cowen, Jr., of Livingston, under arrest for driving while intoxicated.
Driver Strikes 2 Vehicles, Takes Out Utility Pole, Arrested for DWI, LIVINGSTON, April 28, 2025 - At approximately 2:11 pm on April 28, 2025 the driver of a black 2021 Ford F-250 was south-bound on US-146 when he struck the back of a south-bound black 2018 Jeep Renegade driven by Michael Edwin Purdue, 46, of Livingston. As it turns out, Purdue's wife was driving in Livingston when her pickup was struck from behind by the black Ford (busted her tail light). The driver of the Ford, Jerry Cowen, Jr., 55, of Livingston, opted to keep driving and not stop. Purdue's wife called her husband (Michael Purdue) and told him what was going on. Michael Purdue was already on 146 and located Cowen and was trying to get Cowen to stop when Cowen struck Purdue from behind. Cowen left the pavement to the right and struck a utility pole (snapping the utility pole in half). Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene, along with the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department, Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, and Troopers Terrence Dickens, Damon Zarate, Simon Mijares, and Corporal Ramey Bass (all with The Texas Highway Patrol). Additionally, Officer CJ Knighton with the Livingston Police Department was dispatched regarding Cowen's incident in the Livingston City Limits. Fortunately there were no injuries. Trooper Dickens initiated a field sobriety test on Cowen and placed him under arrest for suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Cowen is likely facing a list of other charges. Traffic on 146 was not blocked during investigation and cleanup. Cowen's vehicle was recovered by Smith Towing out of Livingston, while Purdue's vehicle was recovered by Pop's Wrecker Service (also out of Livingston). Cowen was booked into Polk County Jail.
46 year old Michael Edwin Purdue, of Livingston, was driving this 2018 Jeep Renegad on 146 when he was struck from behind by the driver of a pickup who had already struck Purdue's wife's pickup from behind in Livingston.
55 year old Jerry Cowen, of Livingston, was driving this 2021 Ford F-250 south-bound on 146 when he struck Purdue from behind, then left the pavement to the right and took out a utility pole.
Trooper Terrence Dickens administered a field sobriety test on Cowen (also picture is Trooper Damon Zarate).
Officer CJ Knighton with the Livingston Police Department, speaks with Cowen regarding Cowen allegedly striking another vehicle in Livingston.
Trooper Dikckens placed Cowen under arrest for DWI.
Cowen's vehicle was recovered by Smith Towing out of Livingston.
Purdue's vehicle was recovered by Pop's Wrecker Service out of Livingston.
Mixi, Molly, and Katy were on duty for PolkCountyToday.com.
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