Car Rear Ends Pickup, 1 Hospitalized , ALABAMA COUSHATTA COUNTRY, June 15, 2023 - Shortly before 2 pm on June 15, 2023, a white 2011 Dodge pickup, driven by Michael Kowena, 31, of the Alabama Coushatta Tribe, was west-bound on US-190 East. Kowena slowed to make a left turn onto Bear Creek Loop when he was slammed from behind by a silver 2017 Toyota Camry, driven by Christopher Smith, 42, of Tacoma Washington. Kowena pulled his truck to the right shoulder, Smith remained right at the point of impact. The impact totaled Smith's vehicle and possibly Kowena's vehicle. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Alabama Coushatta Police Department, the Alabama Coushatta Volunteer Fire Department, a Deputy from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, and Trooper Sean Barnes with the Texas Highway Patrol. Kowena was physically okay. Smith was transported by ambulance to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital with undisclosed injuries. Traffic on 190 was partially blocked during investigation and cleanup. Smith is facing a citation for failure to control speed. Smith's vehicle was recovered by LakeView Wrecker and will be stored in Livingston. Kowena's vehicle was recovered by a friend.
42 year old Christopher Smith, of Tacoma Washington, slammed into the back of a pickup that was waiting to make a left turn.
31 year old Michael Kowena, of the Alabama Coushatta Tribe, was driving this 2011 Dodge pickup when Smith slammed into the rear of his pickup.
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