Marina
Emporia authorities have released fresh information regarding a Saturday crash that resulted in significant property damage to local businesses.
According to police statements, the driver was cited for careless driving, and investigations remain ongoing regarding contributing factors.
Below is the latest on what happened, who was involved, and what the community should know.
Incident Overview
On Saturday, at approximately mid-afternoon, a vehicle failed to negotiate a turn and crashed into businesses located at 545 Sherman Street, striking the front of Shull Roofing and causing collateral damage to Stewardship Home Management next door.
- The driver, 67-year-old Donald Hensley of Emporia, was cited for careless driving.
- Officers on scene believe speed may have been a contributing factor in the collision.
- The crash occurred after Hensley attempted a turn off West Sixth Street onto Sherman but apparently did not fully negotiate it.
- The front facade of Shull Roofing sustained extensive damage, while damage to Stewardship Home Management was less extensive.
- There were no reported injuries in the incident.
- Hensley is also involved in an unrelated criminal matter, but police have stated that information is not part of the public record at this time.
Timeline & Context
Further context provides clarity on how and when the crash unfolded:
- The crash was reported near the intersection of Sixth and Sherman just after 3:00 p.m.
- The vehicle in question failed to turn properly and collided with the building front.
- Following the collision, the vehicle was towed from the scene.
- Damage estimates are still pending as building assessments are ongoing.
- Police confirmed that no injuries resulted from the crash.
- An arrest was already made in connection with separate criminal charges unrelated to the crash, though not directly tied to the collision.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Saturday, just after 3:00 p.m. |
| Location | 545 Sherman Street, businesses including Shull Roofing & Stewardship Home Management |
| Driver | 67-year-old Donald Hensley of Emporia |
| Citation | Careless driving |
| Contributing Factor | Speed suspected |
| Damage | Extensive to roofing business; lesser to neighboring business |
| Injuries | None reported |
| Unrelated Charges | Driver has criminal matter, details withheld |
| Vehicle Removal | Towed from scene |
| Damage Estimate | Pending |
Legal & Investigative Considerations
Careless Driving Citation
The citation for careless driving is a serious traffic offense, though it does not carry the same weight as reckless driving or DUI.
It implies that the driver failed to maintain adequate control or caution, resulting in damage.
Unrelated Criminal Matter
Capt. Ray Mattas confirmed that Hensley is involved in another criminal matter, which is not connected to this crash.
That information is currently not part of open public record, hence authorities are not releasing specifics.
Speed & Turn Negotiation
Officials suggest that excessive speed and a failure to negotiate the turn properly were likely factors in the collision.
The combination of turning dynamics and momentum may have led the vehicle off its intended path into the building fronts.
Property Damage & Building Assessments
Structural engineers and insurance adjustors will likely evaluate the extent of damage to both Shull Roofing and Stewardship Home Management. The building facades, signage, entrance structures, and possibly internal framing may all be assessed.
The latest disclosures from Emporia police shed important light on Saturday’s building crash. While no one was harmed, the incident illustrates how misjudged turns and speed can cause serious property damage. Driver Donald Hensley now faces a careless driving citation, and building damage assessments are in progress.
As investigations continue, the community awaits further updates on liability, repairs, and any additional legal outcomes tied to this event.