| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 1 | 2008-01-02 | Troop A | Driver Charged After Fatal Crash |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE At 4:45 AM, on Wednesday, January 02, 2008, State Police, Troop A began investigating a one vehicle fatal crash. The crash occurred on Interstate 12 westbound at milepost 26 in Livingston Parish. A 1996 Ford Explorer was westbound on Interstate 12 in the right lane of travel. The Explorer, driven by Bernardo Mercado (H/M/Age 24) of Baton Rouge, LA, crossed into the left lane of travel and into the median. Mr. Mercado steered to the right, but overcorrected and the Ford Explorer rolled several times. As the Ford Explorer overturned, the passenger, an expecting mother and wife of the driver (Gabrielle Mercado (H/F/Age 30) of Baton Rouge, LA, was ejected. Mrs. Mercado sustained serious injuries and was transported to Our Lady of The Lake Hospital by Acadian Ambulance. Mrs. Mercado was later pronounced dead by the hospital staff. Mr. Mercado sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Ocshner Hospital by Acadian Ambulance. After his release from the hospital, Mr. Mercado was booked into the Livingston Parish Jail on charges of Careless Operation, Operating a Vehicle Without Lawful Presence in the United States, and Negligent Homicide. Contact Trooper Johnnie Brown if there are any questions.
Email: johnnie.brown@dps.la.gov Pager: 225.267.8673 | |||
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