Joshua Simpson Killed, One Injured in High-Speed Crash on W. 7th Street in Texarkana, TX

The Texarkana Police Department has charged 23-year-old Cole Chase Arendt with Manslaughter for his involvement in a multi-vehicle crash that took the life of 20-year-old Joshua Simpson.  According to the Texas Department of Transportation Crash Report, the crash happened on August 30, 2022 at approximately 5:30 p.m. near the 4700 block of W. 7th Street in Texarkana, TX.  According to the report, a maroon Dodge Ram driven by a 16-year-old male was traveling west on W. 7th Street in the inside lane when it entered the turn lane to turn left into a private drive in the 4700 block of W. 7th Street.  A white Chevy Camaro driven by Mr. Arendt was traveling east on W. 7th Street.  The driver of the Ram stated that he did not see the Camaro driven by Arendt approaching when he conducted his left turn.  The Ram crashed into the Camaro.  After the initial collision between the Ram and the Camaro, the Camaro left the roadway and collided with Joshua Simpson who was stationary on his bicycle at the exit to the Road Runner located at 4603 W 7th Street.  After colliding with Mr. Simpson, the Camaro struck a Chevy Silverado occupied by 38-year-old Walter Whitfield before coming to a rest in the left turn lane in the 4600 block of W. 7th Street.  Cole Arendt and Walter Whitfield were both transported to Saint Michael Hospital.  Mr. Simpson was transported to Wadley Hospital and was listed in critical condition before he was transferred to UAMS where he succumbed to his injuries on August 31, 2022.  After approximately a month-long investigation, police determined Mr. Arendt was traveling in excess of 80 mph in a 45 mph zone.  The Texarkana Police issued a warrant for Manslaughter.  Arendt turned himself in and his bond was set at $500,000.  The investigation also determined that the 16-year-old driver Failing to Yield Right-of-Way may have contributed to this crash.