On Thursday, February 8, 2017 at approximately 2:09 pm Brazoria Police were dispatched to a fatality accident involving a pedestrian and a train at Market Street and Rail Road tracks. Detective Cpl. Moore made contact with train conductor which stated they had struck a pedestrian. Officer's began to search the area resulting in finding a white male between the rail road track rails. White male was later identified as Steven Wayne Sheard 62 year old male from Brazoria Texas. Subject was pronounced dead by Justice of the Peace Judge Sherry Kersh, body was sent to Galveston County Medical Examiner's office for an autopsy; Stated Detective Cpl. Moore.
Detective Cpl. Moore is working with Burlington Northern and Santa Fe claims representative to view video tape from train engine. Stating the case is still pending investigation from autopsy results and video from engine.
Chief Longbotham stated that this was the second train pedestrian accident in 4 years at the same location. Chief Longbotham stated that three of the four main train crossing were blocked causing traffic disruption during the city peak traffic time. City Public works and Fire department along with TxDOT was utilized to reroute traffic. Traffic was shut down form 2:00 pm until 5:30 pm. Police Department communication center continuously received phone calls thought this period from the immediate public, news media and other cities wanting to know what was going on due to the incorrect information posted on social media websites.
Neal B. Longbotham
Chief of Police