-
A wrecked and burned Lumberton Police vehicle
A Lumberton Police Department officer and his K9 partner are recovering after they were involved in a two-vehicle crash on June 3. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is investigating the collision that resulted in the arrest of a local resident for DWI.
According to Police Chief Danny Sullins, Sgt. Chad Ainsworth, 51, is recovering at home with his K9 partner, Leroy. Sullins reported a driver collided with Ainsworth’s 2016 Chevrolet SUV while the officer was on patrol.
Sgt. Shana Clark, DPS spokesperson, reported the preliminary investigation indicated that, at approximately 10:15 p.m., a 2021 Dodge Ram pickup was traveling north and positioned in the left turn lane of U.S. 96 at Walton Road, while Ainsworth was traveling north on the inside lane and approaching the intersection.
Clark stated it was reported the pickup attempted to turn right onto Bellmont Drive from the left turn lane and turned in front of the SUV when the SUV struck the Dodge Ram on its right side.
The collision knocked Ainworth’s SUV off the road. It was heavily damaged and caught fire.
The driver of the pickup, Bradley Herrington, 37, of Lumberton, was not injured but was arrested for driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor offense. He was later released from the Hardin County Jail on a $2,500 bond.
A passenger in the pickup, Chelsea Herrington, 38, also of Lumberton, was not injured.
Sullins reported Ainsworth has some minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital and treated. He was later released.
His K9 partner was in a stainless steel insert in the SUV.
On social media, Ainsworth thanked several people who helped him at the scene of the crash.
“I do remember a doctor being there at one point. I think he was the one that told me to be still. I had other plans as I said I had to get out of the truck,” he wrote. “There were also guys there that got equipment out of my Tahoe when it caught fire. I would appreciate it if folks would share this so I could find out who they are and thank them. God had his hand on me and Leroy and he sent angels to help.”