| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 1840 | 2008-03-20 | Troop B | ***UPDATE** Three Vehicle Fatal Crash Claims the Life of a Child |
| NEWS RELEASE LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: March 20th, 2008 ***UPDATE*** On Wednesday, March 19th, 2008, Louisiana State Police, Troop B received the results of the toxicology examination conducted on Mr. Robert Newman. The results revealed that Mr. Newman had a blood alcohol level of .13 grams percent. An arrest warrant was then obtained for Mr. Newman for the violation of Louisiana Revised Statue 14:32.1 (Vehicular Homicide), 2 counts of LRS 14:39.1(Vehicular Negligent Injuring), 7 counts of LRS 14:39.2 (1st Degree Vehicular Negligent Injuring), LRS 14:98 (Driving While Intoxicated), 2 counts of LRS 14:98j (Child Endangerment/DWI), and LRS 14:99 (Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle). On Thursday, March 20th, 2008 at 12:27 AM, after notifying Mr. Newman and his attorney of the arrest warrant, Mr. Newman and his attorney met with Trooper Maurin at the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office Lock-up in Laplace, LA. Mr. Newman surrendered himself to Trooper Maurin for the arrest warrant at which time he was arrested without incident and booked accordingly. Three Vehicle Fatal Crash Claims the Life of a Child On Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 4:23 PM, Louisiana State Police, Troop B investigated a three vehicle fatal crash on I-10 westbound at milepost 206 in St. John the Baptist Parish. The crash involved a 2007 Toyota pick-up driven by Mr. Robert Newman (B/M, 52 yrs), of New Orleans, a 2007 Dodge Caliber driven by Steven Thomas (B/M, 37 yrs), of Baker, LA and a 2004 Honda Odyssey mini van driven by Mona N. Gary (W/F 37 yrs), of Baton Rouge. The Toyota pick-up was traveling eastbound on I-10 in the left lane at which time for an unknown reason it crossed the median on I-10 and entered the westbound lanes of I-10 without braking. Once the Toyota entered the westbound lanes of I-10 it struck the Honda mini van on the left rear passenger door. After striking the Honda the pick-up deflected off of the van and struck the Dodge Caliber head-on. As a result of the crash a child passenger, Grace Gary (W/F, 8 yrs) who was riding in the left rear position of Honda was critically injured and transported to River Parishes Hospital were she succumbed to her injuries. A B/M, 5 yrs, a passenger in the Toyota was transported to Our Lady of the Lake in serious condition. The following occupants/drivers were transported as a result of the crash with moderate injuries: 1.) Mona N Gary, the driver of the Honda was transported to River Parishes Hospital. 2.) James Gary (W/M, 44 yrs), the front passenger of the Honda was transported to River Parishes Hospital. 3.) A W/F, 5 yrs, a passenger in the Honda was transported to River Parishes Hospital. 4.) Robert Newman, the driver of the Toyota was transported to Ochsner Medical Center of Kenner. 5.) Triantie Wilson (B/F, 22 yrs), a passenger in the Toyota was transported to Ochsner Medical Center of Kenner. 6.) A B/F, 8 yrs, a passenger in the Toyota was transported to Ochsner Medical Center of Kenner. 7.) Steven Thomas, the driver of the Dodge was transported to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. 8.) Jessica Thomas (B/F, 25 yrs), a passenger in the Dodge was transported to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. 9.) A B/M, 13 yrs, a passenger in the Dodge was transported to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. The crash is still under investigation. Driver impairment on part of Mr. Newman is suspected. Upon his release from the hospital Mr. Newman will have multiple charges pending. Trooper Maurin is continuing his investigation. FOR MORE INFO CONTACT SENIOR TROOPER JOSEPH PIGLIA BY PAGER AT 504-437-6997 OR BY BLACKBERRY or EMAIL AT Joseph.Piglia@dps.la.gov | |||
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