TROOP A - NEWS RELEASE
October 10, 2011
Two Children Injured in Head-On Collision, Impairment Suspected Bueche – Louisiana State Police Troop A is currently investigating a crash that occurred on LA 983 (Bueche Road) north of LA 620 (Section Road) in West Baton Rouge Parish shortly after 4:00 pm this afternoon. The crash, a head-on collision, left two small children injured.
Troopers’ preliminary investigation revealed that Shannon Taylor (W/F, age 30) of Bueche was driving a 2000 Chevrolet pickup south on Bueche Road when she entered a right hand curve and crossed the center line into the oncoming path of a northbound pickup. The northbound pickup, a 1997 Chevrolet, was being driven by Alfred Burks (B/M, age 65) of New Roads. The two pickups struck head-on in the northbound lane. There were two children in Taylor’s vehicle, ages seven and eight. They were both transported along with Taylor to a Baton Rouge hospital. Burks was alone in the vehicle and sustained non life-threatening injuries. He was also transported to a Baton Rouge hospital.
Troopers suspect drug impairment to have played a factor in the crash. Currently, Troopers have charged Taylor with 2nd offense DWI, vehicular negligent injuring (3 counts), and careless operation. She will be booked into West Baton Rouge Parish Prison upon her release from the hospital. Burks is not facing any charges at this point. Troopers have submitted blood samples of both drivers to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for chemical analysis. The crash remains under investigation, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
Troopers would like to remind motorists of the dangers of impaired driving. Alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription medication, or over-the-counter medication…it makes no difference, impairment is impairment. Impaired drivers cause serious injuries and deaths across the country every day. Penalties for DWI are enhanced when children are placed in danger as well. Please help the fight against impaired driving by making good decisions and by reporting impaired drivers to Louisiana State Police by dialing *LSP (*577) from a cellular phone.
Contact Information: TFC Russell G. Graham II
Public Information Officer
Louisiana State Police – Troop A
Office: (225) 754-8524
russell.graham@dps.la.gov
www.LSP.org
|