April 28, 2025 – Livingston, Texas
A 55-year-old Livingston man is behind bars tonight after a destructive driving spree ended with multiple collisions and a snapped utility pole on U.S. Highway 146.
According to authorities, Jerry Cowen Jr. was driving a black 2021 Ford F-250 southbound on U.S. 146 at approximately 2:11 p.m. Monday when he allegedly rear-ended a black 2018 Jeep Renegade driven by Michael Edwin Purdue, 46, also of Livingston. Instead of stopping at the scene of the accident, Cowen continued driving.
Purdue’s wife, who was involved in the initial incident, immediately contacted her husband, who was already nearby. Purdue located Cowen’s vehicle and attempted to intervene. During the attempt, Cowen reportedly struck Purdue’s vehicle from behind a second time, then veered off the road, crashing into a utility pole and snapping it in half.
Emergency personnel rushed to the scene, including Allegiance Ambulance Service, Livingston Volunteer Fire Department, Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies, and multiple Texas Highway Patrol Troopers—identified as Trooper Terrence Dickens, Trooper Damon Zarate, Trooper Simon Mijares, and Corporal Ramey Bass. Additionally, Officer CJ Knighton of the Livingston Police Department responded due to the incident initially occurring within city limits.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.
Trooper Terrence Dickens administered a field sobriety test to Cowen, which he failed. Cowen was placed under arrest on suspicion of Driving While Intoxicated and booked into the Polk County Jail. Authorities say Cowen may face additional charges, including hit and run and reckless driving.
Despite the damage, traffic on Highway 146 remained open while crews worked the scene. Cowen’s truck was towed by Smith Towing, while Purdue’s Jeep was removed by Pop’s Wrecker Service, both based in Livingston.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
