| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 1268 | 2012-02-11 | Troop A | Houston Man Struck and Killed in Ascension Parish Crash |
TROOP A - NEWS RELEASE February 11, 2012 Houston Man Struck and Killed in Ascension Parish Crash Gonzales – Louisiana State Police Troop A investigated a fatal crash involving a pedestrian early this morning that claimed the life of a Houston man. The crash occurred on LA 30 west of Gonzales near Ashland Road at approximately 2:30 am. This is the third fatal crash involving a pedestrian that has occurred in the Troop A area in less than a week. Troopers’ investigation revealed that a 2012 Volvo Tractor was traveling west on LA 30 near Ashland Road when Christian Salinas (Hispanic Male, age 32) of Houston stepped into its path. The driver of the truck saw Salinas step into his path but was unable to avoid striking him. Salinas was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Ascension Parish Coroner’s Office. The driver of the truck, Aaron Dunbar (B/M, age 41) of Harvey, was properly restrained and uninjured in the crash. Dunbar brought his vehicle to an immediate stop and notified authorities of the crash. Troopers suspect alcohol to have been a factor for Salinas and have submitted a sample of his blood to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for chemical analysis. Troopers did not suspect impairment on the part of Dunbar; however, he voluntarily submitted a breath sample to Troopers that showed he had no detectable alcohol in his system. Troopers have investigated several fatal crashes involving pedestrians recently, and impairment has been a predominant factor in these crashes. The first thing that alcohol affects in a person is judgment. Poor judgment combined with highway traffic has proven deadly many times across our state. Pedestrians are strongly encouraged to stay off the roadway if at all possible. Louisiana law requires pedestrians to walk only upon the left side of the highway or its shoulder facing approaching traffic if there is no sidewalk present. Pedestrians are also required to yield the right of way to all vehicles when crossing a highway at any point other than in a cross walk. Contact Information: TFC Russell G. Graham II | |||
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