Aggrostats

Troop B – On June 21, 2011, at approximately 8:30 PM, Louisiana State Police Troop B was notified of a fatal crash on Belle Chasse Highway at the Belle Chasse Bridge. Preliminary investigation revealed that a 1995 Toyota 4Runner, driven by Jose Gustavo Reyes (H/M, age 31) of Metairie, LA, was traveling north across the Belle Chasse Bridge. For unknown reasons, the 4Runner veered to the left and struck the concrete wall protecting the stairway leading to the ground level. The forces of the crash vaulted the 4Runner over the concrete wall and the 4Runner fell approximately forty (40) feet to the ground. The driver and a passenger, Ronaldo Jimenez (H/M, age 29) of Metairie, LA, were pronounced dead on the scene. There were two other passengers in the vehicle, Edwin Lenin Juarez (H/M, age 28) and Herson Omar Juarez (H/M, age 24) both of Metairie, LA, who were transported to Ochsner Medical Center Westbank with minor injuries. Alcohol impairment is suspected as a factor of the crash and toxicology results are pending the outcome of the autopsy.

While the number of deaths and serious injuries caused by crashes has steadily decreased over the past couple of years, Troopers still see too many senseless tragedies that could be avoided if people would make better decisions when getting behind the wheel. Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is not only illegal, but can be deadly. Impairment affects a person’s judgment, vision, reflexes and coordination. Louisiana State Police reminds motorists to be responsible while behind the wheel of a vehicle; drive sober or get a designated driver. Also, do not get into a vehicle with an impaired driver. Troopers will continue to aggressively enforce the state’s traffic laws in an effort to eliminate these tragedies. If you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested and booked into jail.


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