Centralia, IL (June 24, 2026) – Four people were injured early on Moday morning following a crash at the intersection of South Poplar Street and 17th Street in Centralia.
According to authorities, the collision occurred at approximately 3:30 a.m. on June 22 after a vehicle reportedly traveled the wrong way on South Poplar Street at a high rate of speed before striking another vehicle.
The police identified the driver of the suspect vehicle as 21-year-old Zymer James of Mt. Vernon. Authorities said officers initially observed the vehicle being driven recklessly and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle allegedly accelerated away, continued through several streets, and later entered South Poplar Street in the wrong direction. Authorities discontinued the pursuit shortly before the crash occurred.
James was transported to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital and was later airlifted to a hospital in St. Louis. The driver of the second vehicle, 24-year-old Makenna Burnes of Centralia, and passengers Denise Sharkey, 40, and Roshida Thomas, 26, were also taken to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital. Sharkey was later airlifted to a St. Louis hospital for additional treatment.
Officials reported that James faces multiple charges, including aggravated fleeing police, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, operating an uninsured vehicle, and several traffic-related offenses. The incident remains under investigation.
We hope those injured in this collision experience a full and speedy recovery.
Why Wrong-Way Crashes May Result in Serious Injuries?
Wrong-way collisions are among the most dangerous roadway incidents because they involve vehicles approaching one another from opposite directions with little time to react. The forces generated during these crashes can be significant, increasing the likelihood of serious injuries.
Investigators reviewing wrong-way crashes typically examine vehicle movements, roadway evidence, witness statements, and the sequence of events leading up to the collision. Traffic violations, vehicle speeds, and roadway conditions may also be evaluated as part of the investigation.
In incidents involving alleged attempts to evade law enforcement, authorities review dispatch records, officer observations, surveillance footage, and physical evidence from the scene. These findings can help establish a timeline and provide a clearer understanding of the circumstances that led to the crash.
