| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 1328 | 2016-12-29 | Troop B | Distracted Driving Causes Double Fatal Crash |
TROOP B - NEWS RELEASE December 29, 2016 Distracted Driving Causes Double Fatal Crash St. John the Baptist Parish – Yesterday evening, at approximately 5:30 pm, Louisiana State Police Troop B investigated a fatal crash on LA 44, just north of LA 54. The crash involved two vehicles and claimed the lives of 69 year old Arlene Richard and 91 year old Cecile Oubre, both of Garyville, LA. Troopers’ initial investigation indicated that Richard was driving a 2012 Kia Sportage southbound on LA 44. A 2000 Dodge Ram pick-up, driven by 21 year old Bryce Riggs of Houma, LA, was traveling northbound on LA 44. Riggs was engaged in conversation with his passenger, 20 year old Brent Crochet, and this distraction caused the Dodge to drift into the southbound lane and impact the Kia. After the initial impact, the Dodge began to rotate and then rolled onto its roof. Riggs and Crochet both suffered moderate injuries and were transported to St. James Parish Hospital. The front seat passenger in the Kia, 60 year old Evette Berthelot, suffered minor injuries and was transported to River Parishes Hospital. Oubre, the left side, rear seat passenger in the Kia, was transported to University Medical Center with critical injuries and later died at the hospital. Richard was pronounced dead on the scene. Speed and driver impairment are not suspected as factors of the crash; however, Riggs submitted to a blood test and toxicology tests will be performed by the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. Criminal charges are pending and the crash remains under investigation. Inattentive and distracted driving continues to be leading causes of crashes in our state. Louisiana State Police continue to urge motorists to avoid all distractions while driving, inside and outside the vehicle. You can effectively reduce the chances of being involved in a crash by ensuring that while behind the wheel of a vehicle you remain focused solely on the task of driving. Information on distracted driving may be found online by visiting www.Distraction.gov. If you are in need of assistance or witness hazardous road conditions, possibly impaired drivers, or aggressive driving, you are encouraged to report it by dialing *LSP (577) from your mobile phone. Contact Information: S/T Melissa Matey Louisiana State Police – Troop B Public Affairs Section Office: (504) 471-2780 Melissa.Matey@LA.gov www.LSP.org www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice | |||
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