The Cookeville Police Department Traffic Enforcement Division was contacted by dispatch at approximately 10:00 AM on April 30, 2022 to investigate a traffic collision involving a pedestrian near 9 East Broad Street.

A white, 2018 Ford F350 truck operated by James Helton was traveling eastbound on East Broad Street while a female juvenile was reportedly walking with her father westbound on the sidewalk in front of the Post Office. The girl was walking behind her father when she stepped off the sidewalk and entered the street prior to reaching the crosswalk. She was walking toward the Cookeville Performing Arts Center when she was struck by the passing vehicle’s passenger-side mirror. She sustained serious injuries and was transported by air to Vanderbilt hospital in critical condition.

After investigating the scene and interviewing the driver, there was no evidence or suspicion of excessive speed, recklessness, or intoxication on the part of the driver. At this time, no criminal charges are expected to be filed related to this incident. Since the juvenile’s condition has improved, she has been relocated from the Intensive Care Unit to a step-down room at the hospital.