Willie Openshaw's 2010 Chevy HHR was struck in the passenger's side fender (left lane going east on 190 between Jack in the Box and Melbo's).
Counting My Blessings...
I was in a wreck today. I wasn't at fault, and when the wreck happened, initially, I was a little steamed at the other driver. Okay here's what happened. I was east-bound on US-190 (between Melbo's and Jack in the Box), when a lady pulled out of the parking lot of Melbo's and struck the front fender on the passenger's side of my vehicle. When I saw what happened, I was a little steamed at the other driver (Ariana Foxworth, 28, of Livingston). Obviously, Foxworth didn't mean to strike me, but it happened. I pulled my car out of the roadway and into the parking lot of Melbo's. My car wasn't driveable as the fender was pushed into the tire. I got out of my car and used my cell phone to call Livingston Police Department. When I got out, there she was...standing there, and probably not feeling very good. I didn't even want to talk to her. Alas, I put everything into proper perspective and began talking to her. Once we began talking, I moved from irritation to compassion for her. I could see that she felt bad, but she kept her head up and kept her composure. Further, she had 3 small kids in the back of her car. I'm pleased to say that all three kids were properly fastened into the car and nobody was injured. Next thing I knew, a familiar friend arrived, Sergeant Ronnie Bogany with LPD. I say friend, because, being a reporter, I am very familiar with all the law enforcement in Polk County. I work closely with these guys almost every day. If it's not LPD, then the Deputies with the Sheriff's Office, or the Troopers, Constables, etc. Sergeant Bogany did his job and cited Foxworth for failure to yield right-of-way from a private drive. Both of us had insurance. Since my vehicle wasn't driveable, it had to be towed. There was another familiar friend, Ken and Houdini arrived to pick up my vehicle and tow it to Bounds Autoplex. There's not a whole lot to this wreck, nobody was injured, nobody was arrested for intoxication or drugs, it was a fender bender, but I've always said, that if I was in a wreck, I'd cover it (even if I was at fault). So here it is. I hope I never have to cover one of my own wrecks again. I'm sitting here tonight carless. I can't complain though. I have a roof over my head, air conditioning, the internet, food to eat, and Mixi to pet. Honestly, with all of life's anxiety and struggles, I can't imagine trying to make it through life without a dog. I'm confident that tommorrow I'll have some vehicle to drive, somehow, and this little interruption wont be a big deal. Speaking of dogs, Houdini is still mad at me for some reason (probably cause I called him lazy on this website).
To Ariana Foxworth: M'am, I apologize for any rudeness I may have exhibited today. You and Sergeant Bogany were both a picture of class throughout this little incident.
Sergeant Ronnie Bogany with LPD is the investigating officer (Ariana Foxworth is pictured at right standing by her car).
Foxworth's car sustained minor damage. Fortunately, her car was driveable and she was able to leave the scene.
Goofy Gringo: Willie Openshaw stands beside his wrecked car. (Photo taken by Shane Moffett with Best Air)
To make matters worse: Houdini nearly bit me just for taking his picture.
Openshaw's vehicle was recovered by Ken's Towing.
No car but I still have Mixi. :)
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