| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 11 | 2016-08-20 | Troop A | Pedestrian Dead and Driver Arrested After Hit and Run Crash in West Baton Rouge Parish |
| TROOP A NEWS RELEASE August 20, 2016 Pedestrian Dead and Driver Arrested After Hit and Run Crash in West Baton Rouge Parish Port Allen, LA – Shortly after 2:00 am on August 20, 2016, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a hit and run fatality crash involving a pedestrian on US 190 at the Old Mississippi River Bridge in West Baton Rouge Parish. The crash took the life of 36 year old Vontravis Stevens of Plauqemine, LA and resulted in the arrest of 21 year old Benjamin Todd of Pride, LA. The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Stevens was walking across the Old Mississippi River Bridge in the eastbound lanes. At the same time, Todd was traveling eastbound on the Old Mississippi River Bridge in a 2007 Ford F-150. Todd struck Stevens with his vehicle on the eastbound side of the bridge and fled scene. Stevens sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the West Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office. It is unknown if Stevens was impaired at the time of the crash but a toxicology sample will be taken for analysis. Approximately 30 minutes into their investigation, Troopers received a call identifying Todd as the driver of the vehicle that struck Stevens on the Old Mississippi River Bridge. Shortly after, Troopers located Todd and his vehicle at a residence in Pride, LA. Todd was placed under arrest and given a chemical breath test for intoxication. Todd provided a sample which registered over the legal limit. Todd was booked into the West Baton Rouge Parish Jail for Vehicular Homicide, Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, and Hit and Run. Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that impaired driving continues to be a major problem throughout Louisiana. Whether impaired through alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two, the consequences of driving while impaired remain the same. Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired, always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, and avoiding all distractions can often mean the difference between life and death. Both motorists and pedestrians are urged to call *LSP (*577) to reach the nearest LSP Troop location to report hazardous roadway conditions or request assistance if needed. Contact Information: | |||
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