Beaumont City Council Member Denies Role in Hit-and-Run

Witnesses claim LaDonna Sherwood may have been involved in a parking lot incident, but she maintains her innocence.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:23am

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A Beaumont City Council member, LaDonna Sherwood, has been accused by witnesses of potentially being involved in a hit-and-run incident in a restaurant parking lot. Sherwood denies any knowledge of the crash, but has paid to repair the damages to the other vehicle involved. The police are investigating the incident, and Sherwood says she has cooperated with authorities.

Why it matters

This story raises questions about the conduct of a local elected official and the potential consequences of hit-and-run incidents, even when the perpetrator attempts to make amends. It also highlights the importance of transparency and accountability for public figures.

The details

According to multiple witnesses, the incident occurred last week in the parking lot of Hearsay Gastro Lounge in Beaumont, where a party attended by local politicians was taking place. Witnesses claim they saw Sherwood and an unknown man walking towards the parking lot shortly before the collision between a black BMW and a white BMW. The driver of the black BMW allegedly fled the scene without stopping.

  • The hit-and-run incident occurred last Thursday in the Hearsay Gastro Lounge parking lot.
  • Sherwood later contacted the owner of the white BMW, Melissa Cornwell, to pay for the damages and a rental car.

The players

LaDonna Sherwood

A Beaumont City Council member who has been accused by witnesses of potentially being involved in the hit-and-run incident, but denies any knowledge of the crash.

Melissa Cornwell

The owner of the white BMW that was hit in the Hearsay parking lot. Sherwood contacted Cornwell to pay for the damages and a rental car.

Mark Faggard

A local lawyer who attended the party and witnessed the aftermath of the hit-and-run incident.

Annette Wade

Faggard's girlfriend, who also witnessed the hit-and-run incident and agreed that the driver of the black BMW had to have known they hit something.

Dylan Richardson

The host of the party at Hearsay Gastro Lounge, who is active in local politics and has worked on multiple campaigns at the city level.

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What they’re saying

“We're all standing there talking, and the next thing you know, we hear this horrible screeching sound like metal rubbing against metal, and it was really loud.”

— Mark Faggard, local lawyer

“It was very poor integrity. I mean, if you're going to hit somebody's car, you need to at least stop and make some effort to leave your information or whatever. (The driver) made no effort. (They) just got out of there.”

— Annette Wade, witness

“She sent me pictures of her car, and it was very visible to me that there were white scratches that matched the damage to the other car on her BMW. So in her attempt to exonerate herself, she essentially indicted herself.”

— Dylan Richardson, party host

“No matter what the circumstances are, whether you know people or not, you always end up going to do the right thing. I was shocked (to learn it was possibly her), because we are friendly. She's actually been a client of mine in my spa. She's always been very kind to me. So as a public official, I was shocked that she would not slow down and take the time.”

— Melissa Cornwell, owner of white BMW

What’s next

The Beaumont police spokesperson said the hit-and-run incident is under investigation and a summons to municipal court will be issued by the investigating officer once the investigation is complete.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of public officials being held accountable for their actions, even when they attempt to make amends. It also raises questions about transparency and the need for clear policies and procedures around hit-and-run incidents, especially when they involve local leaders.