Aggrostats

Troop B - NEWS RELEASE

May 12, 2012

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, driven by Dekovic, was traveling south on LA 23 approaching Concord Street in the right lane. A 2000 Mack truck connected to a 1985 Fruehauf tanker trailer, driven by John Preston (B/M, age 44) of LaPlace, was stopped in the right lane of LA 23 attempting to back into the Circle K store’s parking lot. The Tahoe struck the rear of the tanker trailer at a high rate of speed and Dekovic was pronounced dead on the scene. Dekovic was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Louisiana State Police Hazardous Materials Unit arrived on the scene and found that there was no leakage from the tanker. The product was later off loaded safely.

Preston did not have injuries and voluntarily submitted to a chemical breath test and no alcohol was found in his system.

Troopers do not suspect alcohol as a factor of the crash. However, toxicology results are pending an autopsy on Dekovic. The crash is still under investigation.

Last year, over 60% of fatal crashes across the state involved unrestrained drivers and occupants. Troopers strongly urge motorists to buckle up each and every time they get into a vehicle. State law requires ALL occupants to be properly restrained, regardless of seating position. The single most effective thing you can do to increase your chances of surviving a violent crash is to buckle up. The primary function of a seatbelt is to prevent ejection and to spread the forces of a crash over a wider part of the body to reduce injuries and fatalities.

Contact Information:

Trooper Melissa Matey
Public Affairs Unit
Louisiana State Police – Troop B
Office: (504) 471-2780
melissa.matey@dps.la.gov
www.LSP.org