Fatality accident on Hwy. 146

On Feb. 17, at approximately 0630 hours, officers of the Dayton Police Department were dispatched to the 10,000 block of SH 146 in reference to a major vehicle collision. Upon arrival, officers found that three vehicles were involved in the crash.

A Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F250 were heavily damaged, and a Chevrolet Cobalt had minor damage. Officers and first responders found the three occupants of the Ford F250, Ricardo Martinez, 41, of Houston, Alfredo Cuellar Jr., 40, of Beeville, and David Cortes, 27, of Hatch, New Mexico, were deceased upon arrival; as well as the driver of the Chevrolet Silverado, Blaine Springer, 25, of Houston.

Based on witness statements and an investigation, officers determined that the Chevrolet Silverado was traveling southbound on SH 146 when it veered into the inside northbound lane. The Ford F250, which was traveling in the inside northbound lane, was struck head-on. The Ford F250 continued a short distance before rolling over onto its side. The Chevrolet Cobalt, which was traveling adjacent to the F250, was struck by debris from the other two vehicles. The driver of the Cobalt was transported to the hospital for minor injuries. 

The investigation of the cause of the accident is still on-going. However, it was determined the Chevrolet Silverado driven by Blaine Springer had been reported stolen out of the City of Pasadena, Texas, earlier that morning.

The Dayton Police Department would like to thank the Texas Department of Public Safety, Dayton Volunteer Fire Department, Liberty County Sheriff's Department, Liberty County Pct. 2 Constable Office, and Liberty County Haz-Mat for assisting with investigating the crash scene.