| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 1247 | 2012-05-19 | Troop A | Tractor Trailer Travels Wrong Way on I-10 Across Atchafalaya Basin |
TROOP A - NEWS RELEASE May 19, 2012 Tractor Trailer Travels Wrong Way on I-10 Across Atchafalaya Basin BATON ROUGE - Traffic was brought to a halt on Interstate-10 across the Atchafalaya Basin Friday evening as the Louisiana State Police intercepted a tractor-trailer traveling the wrong direction across the elevated highway. The investigation revealed that an 18 wheeler entered the elevated eastbound lanes of I-10 around mile post 135, in Iberville Parish, and was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes. State Police Troop A in Baton Rouge was notified shortly before 10:30 PM of a hit and run crash, with no injuries, involving an 18 wheeler traveling the wrong way on I-10. Troop A immediately dispatched units to intercept the 18 wheeler and to notify oncoming traffic of the impending danger. Subsequently, the 18 wheeler was involved in a second hit and run crash, with minor injuries on I-10 eastbound near mile post 133. Troop A notified State Police Troop I in Lafayette and the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office that the 18 wheeler would soon enter the Troop I area. Troop I immediately dispatched units to assist in intercepting the 18 wheeler. Surrounding law enforcement agencies were notified in order to safely close the entrance ramps to I-10 eastbound. The 18 wheeler was then involved in a third hit and run crash, with no injuries, on I-10 eastbound around mile post 126 as units were positioning to intervene. As Troop A and Troop I units located the 18 wheeler traveling the wrong way on I-10, efforts were made to gain the drivers attention and other traffic with emergency lights and sirens while paralleling the 18 wheeler on I-10 westbound. At this time, St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s units joined in the pursuit. In a combined effort between State Police and the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office, spike strips were deployed to stop the vehicle safely before any serious injuries or fatalities occurred. The spike strip deployment was successful, and the vehicle was stopped off the elevated portion of I-10 eastbound around mile post 110. The driver of the 18 wheeler, Marshal Smith (62 y/o of Gaffney, SC), was charged with DWI, Reckless Operation, Felony Aggravated Flight from an Officer, and (3) counts of Hit and Run. He was booked in the Iberville Parish Prison. Blood was taken from Smith and the test results will be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. Troopers remind everyone to remain safe on the roads, and not to operate any form of transportation under the influence of alcohol. While there have been fewer deaths associated with impaired driving in recent years, there is still much room for improvement. Motorists that witness hazardous situations are urged to call *LSP (*577) and report that activity to the Louisiana State Police. Contact Information: Tpr. Evan Harrell Public Information Officer Louisiana State Police – Troop C Office- (985) 857-3680 Cell- (985) 855-0241 Evan.Harrell@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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