Driver That Caused Motorcycle Accident Arrested for DWI, SCENIC LOOP, September 7, 2010 - The same driver that failed to yield right-of-way to a motorcycle, causing an accident, then accidentally running over one of the motorcycle occupants, was arrested that night for driving while intoxicated. Shortly before 9 pm, Louie Lee Sanford, 77, of Livingston, was turning his vehicle around in the parking lot of the Whirlwind Club located off of FM-3277. While turning his vehicle around, he struck another vehicle and attempted to flee the scene. While attempting to flee, he got his vehicle stuck in a ditch. By now, the Sheriff's Office had been notified. Sanford managed to get his vehicle out of the ditch and proceeded down 3277 and turned onto Julia Belle Road. Seconds later, DPS Trooper Ramey Bass with the Texas Highway Patrol spotted Sanford's vehicle and pulled Sanford over. According to Trooper Bass, Sanford could hardly stand up and admitted to being drunk. Trooper Bass placed Sanford under arrest for driving while intoxicated. Records show that this is Sanford's 3rd offense of DWI and he is now facing felony charges. Bass took Sanford to Polk County Memorial Hospital for a mandatory blood withdrawal. Sanford's vehicle was towed. Unbeknownst to Sanford, his parking lot mishap at the Whirlwind Club was caught on security camera.
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Not a good day: Louie Sanford failed to yield right-of-way, then accidentally ran over an accident victim.
Truck Driver Fails to Yield in Accident, Then Runs Over Accident Victim, SCENIC LOOP, September 6, 2010 - At approximately 8:30 am on September 6, 2010, Norman L. Henderson, 47, of Houston and his wife Karen, were enjoying Labor Day riding his red 2002 Harley Davidson motorcycle. Henderson was west-bound on FM-2457 when a brown 2004 GMC truck driven by Louie L. Sanford, 77, of Livingston attempted a left turn onto 2457 from FM-3277 but failed to yield right-of-way to Henderson. Henderson's bike slid into the side of Sanford's truck. Both Henderson and his wife were ejected from the bike. Stanford then decided to move his truck and accidentally ran over Karen Henderson. Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Scenic Loop Volunteer Fire Department, Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, and DPS Troopers Darwon Evans, David Morris, Kevin Burman and Corporal Sam Lattner. Louie Sanford was physically okay, but Norman Henderson and wife Karen were both treated at the scene and flown to Houston by PHI Air Medical. According to Trooper Evans, Norman's injuries are life threatening. Traffic was partially blocked during investigation, flight operations, and cleanup. Both parties had insurance. Louie Sanford was issued a citation for failure to yield right-of-way from a stop intersection. Henderson's motorcycle was recovered by a friend, while Sanford's vehicle was drivable. The scene was cleared by 9:45 am.
Norman Henderson's 2002 Harley Davidson slammed into the driver's side of Stanford's truck.
Trooper Kevin Burman with the Texas Highway Patrol
Scenic Loop Fire Chief Donald Marlow uses his radio to guide in PHI Air Medical helicopters.
One of two PHI Air Medical helicopters lands on FM-2457.
Norman Henderson was loaded onto a helicopter and flown to Houston with life threatening injuries.
Corporal Sam Lattner with the Texas Highway Patrol checks on Karen Henderson.
Karen Henderson was also flown to Houston.
Louie Sanford prepares to deal with the law as Trooper Darwon Evans approaches.
PHI Air Medical lifts off for Hermann Hospital in Houston.
A good Samaritan: Ken from Ken's Towing takes his own time to help Sanford fix a flat to get Stanford back on the road.
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