Aggrostats

TROOP B NEWS RELEASE
August 17, 2019

The initial investigation led Troopers to determine that the crash occurred as the decedent was driving a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe eastbound on LA 428 in the left lane. At the same time, a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by 32-year-old Darrell Patterson of Harvey was also traveling eastbound on LA 428 in the right lane. For reasons still under investigation, Patterson’s vehicle left the road to the right, reentered the road and struck the right side of the decedent’s vehicle, causing it to leave the roadway and eventually strike a pole. The driver of the vehicle sustained serious injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene.

Impairment on Patterson’s part is suspected. Troopers placed him under arrest for R.S 14:32.1 - Vehicular Homicide, R.S. 40:967 - Possession of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Crack Cocaine), R.S. 14:99 - Reckless Operation, R.S. 14:39 - Negligent Injuring. As part of the ongoing investigation, blood samples were collected for analysis. This is still and active and on-going investigation and no further information is available at this time.

Whether impaired through alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two, the consequences of driving while impaired remain the same. The task of reducing impaired drivers on our highways is a joint effort between law enforcement agencies and the public. By never allowing an impaired driver to get behind the wheel and reporting dangerous drivers to law enforcement, the public can play an important role in the reduction of crashes caused by impaired drivers. If you witness a driver that is possibly impaired, please call Louisiana State Police at *LSP (*577).

Contact Information:
TFC Monroe Dillon III
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section