THP responds to collision on Hwy. 51 involving semi-truck, sheriff's deputy

Tennessee Highway Patrol was on the scene of a collision that occurred shortly after 8 a.m. Friday morning on Highway 51 Bypass South, near Summit Roofing. The wreck involved a semi-truck owned by Speedy Wheels out of Marshall, MO, and a patrol SUV owned by the Dyer County Sheriff’s Department.

Tennessee Highway Patrol is handling the investigation, and an official report of the incident is not yet available. In a conversation with Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box, he identified the driver deputy involved in the incident as William Whitson, an SRO at Three Oaks Middle School. Box says Whitson was transported to Dyersburg Hospital, where he was treated for neck injuries. Officials state the deputy will be transferred to a comprehensive trauma center. The deputy is reportedly in stable condition.No further information regarding the incident is available at this time. The State Gazette will provide updates as more details are released.