Aggrostats

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Nolting was driving a 1996 Nissan Altima eastbound on I-10. At the same time, 26 year old Blerond Oda of Merrillville, IN was driving a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta and 43 year old James Spears of Baton Rouge was driving a 2014 International box truck westbound on I-10. For unknown reasons, the Altima ran off the roadway to the left into the median and struck the median cable barrier. The Altima rode the cable barrier for approximately one half mile before reaching an opening, where it then traveled out of the median and into the westbound lanes of travel. Upon doing so the Altima struck the westbound Jetta, causing the Altima to rotate into the path of the International box truck.

Despite the fact that he was properly restrained, Nolting suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash. Oda was properly restrained and was transported to Interim LSU Hospital in New Orleans with moderate to serious injuries. Spears was properly restrained and was uninjured in the crash. Driver impairment on the part of Nolting is unknown at this time, and a toxicology sample was taken from him and submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Impairment on the part of Oda and Spears is not suspected.

Troopers wish to remind drivers that impaired driving continues to be a major problem throughout Louisiana. Whether impaired through alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two, the consequences of driving while impaired remain the same. Troopers will continue to enforce Louisiana’s DWI laws across the state and remain committed to a public education campaign to end impaired driving. Have a plan and designate a driver before you decide to operate a vehicle while impaired.

Contact Information:
TFC Jared L. Sandifer
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop A
Office: (225) 754-8524
jared.sandifer@la.gov
www.LSP.org
www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice