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Blind man runs over construction workers

By Kevin Jefferies

Sulphur Springs – Two construction workers were killed and two other injured Saturday when a legally blind man ignored flagmen, struck a cement truck, and ran down several pedestrians.

58 year old John Steven Williams was traveling eastbound on FM 1567 near Miller Grove in a 2005 Dodge Ram when he ignored flagmen for a construction crew and ran into a concrete truck at the scene. He backed up, running down four pedestrians before hitting another vehicle. Williams then again struck two of the men he had already run down before fleeing the scene.

Williams continued to Highway 19 outside of Sulphur Springs despite significant damage to his truck and continued fleeing down county roads and highway 19 until being apprehended around 3:40pm by deputies and troopers.

Charles Skaggs of Sulphur Springs and Keith Howell of Brady were pronounced dead at the scene, and two other men were transported to nearby hospitals.

Williams is legally blind and had been reported to police by his family Friday for driving, but police were unable to locate him at that time. He now faces charges of negligent homicide and failure to stop and render aid.