One Injured in Crash at Centralia Intersection

Police arrest one driver for alleged DUI after two-car collision

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Centralia Police report that one person was injured and one driver was arrested for alleged driving under the influence when two cars collided at the intersection of 2nd and Poplar Streets in downtown Centralia on Friday night.

Why it matters

Intersection crashes involving suspected impaired drivers are an ongoing public safety concern in many communities, highlighting the need for continued education and enforcement efforts around drunk and distracted driving.

The details

According to police reports, a car driven by 58-year-old Michael Hayes of East Calumet in Centralia rear-ended a car stopped at a red light on Poplar Street. The other driver, 22-year-old Oliver Candler of South Walnut in Centralia, was arrested on suspicion of DUI. While the two drivers escaped injury, a passenger in Hayes' vehicle, 64-year-old Tina Hayes of East Calumet, was taken to a local hospital.

  • The crash occurred at 10:35 pm on Friday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Michael Hayes

A 58-year-old resident of East Calumet in Centralia, Illinois.

Oliver Candler

A 22-year-old resident of South Walnut in Centralia, Illinois, who was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

Tina Hayes

A 64-year-old resident of East Calumet in Centralia, Illinois, who was a passenger in Michael Hayes' vehicle and was taken to the hospital.

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The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing need for public awareness campaigns and strict enforcement around impaired driving, which continues to pose a serious threat to public safety in many communities.