| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 1285 | 2011-09-17 | Troop A | Unrestrained Driver Killed in Pointe Coupee Crash |
TROOP A - NEWS RELEASE September 17, 2011 Unrestrained Driver Killed in Pointe Coupee Crash Batchelor – Louisiana State Police Troop A investigated a fatal crash on LA 1 at LA 972 in Pointe Coupee Parish this morning shortly after 6:00 am. The crash, involving three vehicles, claimed the life of a Marksville man. Troopers’ preliminary investigation revealed that a 2007 Toyota pickup was traveling north on LA 1 south of LA 972 when it came upon a 2003 Chevrolet pickup, being driven by Brian Major (W/M, age 54) of Jarreau, that was slowing to make a right turn onto LA 972. The driver of the Toyota pickup, Joseph Capps (W/M, age 35) of New Roads, veered to the left in an attempt to avoid striking the rear of the 2003 Chevrolet pickup, side-swiped the pickup, and struck an on-coming 2007 Chevrolet pickup head on. The driver of the 2007 Chevrolet pickup, Nicky Voinche (W/M, age 56) of Marksville, who was not restrained, succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash and was pronounced deceased at Pointe Coupee General Hospital. Capps, who was also not restrained, was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries. Jarreau was the only driver involved who was properly restrained and he did not sustain any injuries. Troopers do not suspect impairment to have played a factor in the crash; however, they have submitted samples of the Voinche’s and Capps’ blood to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for chemical analysis. Major voluntarily submitted a breath sample to Troopers, which showed that he had no detectable alcohol in his system. Troopers have charged Capps with negligent homicide, careless operation, driving left of center, no seat belt, and driving under suspension. Additional charges may be forthcoming pending the results of the chemical analysis. The majority of fatal and serious injury crashes involve impaired drivers or occupants not wearing seat belts. Troopers would like to remind motorists and passengers of the importance of being properly restrained at all times in every seating position in the vehicle. The simple task of buckling up saves lives…not only the lives of those who decide to buckle up, but the lives of everyone in the vehicle. During a violent crash, occupants in vehicles are safest when properly restrained. Being properly restrained at all times ensures that occupants will not become deadly projectiles inside of the vehicle. Being properly restrained also keeps occupants from being ejected from vehicles. BUCKLE UP…SEAT BELTS SAVE LIVES!!! Contact Information: TFC Russell G. Graham II | |||
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