| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 2202 | 2014-03-01 | Troop C | Hit and Run Crash Claims the Life of an Unrestrained Driver in Plaquemines Parish |
TROOP B - NEWS RELEASE July 8, 2014 Hit and Run Crash Claims the Life of an Unrestrained Driver in Plaquemines Parish Empire, LA- Shortly after 03:30 this morning, a hit and run crash claimed the life of a 19 year old Buras man when his vehicle was struck head-on by an impaired driver in Plaquemines. The investigation revealed that a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling north on LA 23 at milepost 23 near Empire, LA. The Silverado was being driven by Joseph Hicks, (W/M age 27) of Bedias, TX. At the same time, a Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck was traveling south on LA 23 approaching the Silverado. The S-10 was being driven by Davy Bowers, (W/M age 19) of Buras, LA. A 2004 Ford Mustang was also traveling south on LA 23 behind the S-10 pickup truck. The Mustang was being driven by Kolin Robert, (W/M age 18) of Opelousas, LA. For unknown reasons, the Silverado traveled to the left and crossed the median of LA 23, where it entered the southbound lane and struck the S-10 head-on. The Mustang wasn’t able to avoid the crash and struck the S-10 in the rear. Bowers, who was not wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead on the scene by the Plaquemines Parish Coroner’s Office. Robert, who was wearing a seat belt, was not injured in the crash. The driver of the Silverado fled the scene of the crash and was located several hours later. Hicks was placed under arrest and booked into the Plaquemines Parish Jail. Hicks was charged with DWI, Hit and Run, Negligent Homicide, Traveling the Wrong Way, No Seat Belt, and Expired Driver’s License. Investigating Troopers report that alcohol impairment may have been a contributor in the crash. Blood was taken from Hicks, and the test results will be pending at the State Police Crime Lab. Routine toxicology tests are pending for Bowers. Robert was cleared of any alcohol involvement. This crash remains under investigation. Never get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you have had anything to drink. Always have a designated driver or a plan to arrive to your destination safe. While not all crashes are survivable, proper use of seat belts can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury. Always make sure that children are buckled or in the proper child restraints at all times. Louisiana law requires every vehicle occupant, front seat and back seat, to be properly restrained day or night. | |||
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