Published: November 13, 2006 12:03 pm            

Taking wheel, son saves troubled mom

A drive down U.S. 67 almost turned tragic Wednesday night for a Keene woman and her three children. Fortunately, Latisha Stevens’ 9-year-old son, Jimmy, sprang into action and remained calm under pressure. Latisha passed out while driving, but Jimmy climbed from the passenger seat to take control of the family’s KIA Sportage. He drove it off the road and on to the shoulder of U.S. 67 just outside of Keene.

Unable to revive his mother, Jimmy called his father and then dialed 911. On the 911 tape, Jimmy speaks with a maturity and calmness that belies his age. He tries to inform the 911 operator where the car is located and soothe the anxieties of his 7-year-old brother, Mitchell, and 5-year-old sister, Amberly.

“I just always paid attention to what my mom and dad were doing when they were driving,” Jimmy said when asked how he learned to steer a car off the road and bring it safely to a stop.

Cleburne police and fire personnel arrived at the scene, and a CareFlite ambulance transported Latisha to Harris Methodist Walls Regional Hospital. Latisha said she was released from the hospital about 1 a.m. Thursday, having suffered a very severe anxiety attack. No one was injured and the vehicle was not damaged in the incident.

“I’m feeling a little better today,” Latisha said Friday morning. “The other day was kind of rough. [Thursday] I found out a whole lot I didn’t know. I don’t really remember the last few days too well.”

Latisha said she hadn’t felt well Wednesday and had passed out briefly earlier in the day.

“I don’t know why I didn’t call 911 then,” Latisha said. “I just remember driving to Walls and, after that, the next thing I remember is waking up in the hospital.”

Latisha said Jimmy later told her he noticed her breathing was shallow and her eyes looked like she was falling asleep just before the car began to swerve and Latisha passed out.

“I’m so glad we didn’t get run over,” Latisha said. “I asked Jimmy later how fast we were going and he said, ‘The big thing with numbers said 35 mph.’”

Latisha credited Jimmy with avoiding a tragedy.

“Absolutely, he took total control,” Latisha said. “When I heard the 911 tape later I was blown away and impressed by how calm and in control he was and how clear-headed his thinking was. Actually, he’s always pretty mature and calm, which has always surprised me.”

Jimmy was more modest when asked about his actions.

“I don’t know,” Jimmy said. “I didn’t really think about it; I just kind of did it.”

Although Jimmy may not think his actions warrant such a fuss, others certainly do.

“We think these actions are responsible for avoiding a possible severe collision or roll over, and may have saved the lives of all four passengers,” Cleburne Fire Chief Clint Ishmael said. “This is remarkable and should be recognized.”

Cleburne police officers were similarly impressed and amazed how well Jimmy handled the situation.

“I’m just so thankful he was there, because that situation could have turned out so tragically if not for his quick thinking” Cleburne Police Chief Terry Powell said.

Powell also singled out 911 operator Connie Taylor for her professionalism and reassuring tone with Jimmy while rescue personnel were en route.

“We’re going to do something to recognize both of them for their heroism and courage,” Powell said.

Upcoming recognition isn’t all Jimmy has to look forward to.

“My husband was so relieved and thankful he told Jimmy that when we get paid he’s taking him to Wal-Mart and letting him get anything he wants,” Latisha said.



Matt Smith can be reached at 817-645-2441, ext. 2339, or msmith@trcle.com.

        

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