Police investigate theft and vehicle crash

Mary Jane Farmer | August 10, 2021

By Mary Jane Farmer, from info supplied by Van Alstyne Police Department.

Van Alstyne Police Department answered 225 calls for service between Aug 2 and Aug. 8, 2021, reported Police Sgt. Steven Hayslip. Of those, there were nine incidents are in police reports and four offense reports.

There were also three motor vehicle accidents, two without injuries.

The third, which occurred about 8:15 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 8) involved three vehicles and injured three people. Hayslip said this crash happened on southbound U.S. Hwy. 75 at Van Alstyne Parkway.

Sunday, at about 8:15 pm, police officers and fire department personnel and vehicles were dispatched to a three-vehicle crash on southbound US 75 and Van Alstyne Pkwy. The right lane and shoulder were blocked due to construction. The left lane remained open for travelers moving a reduced speed, including stop and go traffic. That is where the crash occurred.

The first vehicle’s driver involved in the wreck, a Lexus SUV, reported driving at about 20 mph, but having to slow down and even stop at times. The driver of the second vehicle, a Toyota pickup, reported the same. The third vehicle, a Honda CRV, was reported to have been going a high rate of speed. It struck the Toyota, pushing the second vehicle into the first vehicle. The Honda CRV sustained major front-end damage. The driver was trapped inside it. Once the driver was removed from the vehicle, he was flown by ambulance helicopter to a hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. Two occupants in the second vehicle were transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

Thursday, Aug. 3, police were sent to the new Thompson Farms subdivision because of missing supplies. They were informed that someone, unknown to them, had stolen more than 100 sheets of radiant barrier.

“Both Collin County and Grayson County are seeing a rise in construction theft since building materials cost have risen so drastically,” Hayslip said.
“VAPD is asking for the help of the residents. If anyone sees a vehicle or person who appears to be out of place, especially in construction, hours outside of normal work hours, to please contact police immediately to report the suspicious activity.” Van Alstyne PD’s phone number is 903-482-5251