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Source: http://lsp.org/news_detail.html?id=253

id cleanReleaseDate troopName title
253 2015-08-12 Troop A Impairment Suspected in West Baton Rouge Crash that Killed Port Allen Woman

TROOP A - NEWS RELEASE
August 12, 2015
Impairment Suspected in West Baton Rouge Crash that Killed Port Allen Woman

Port Allen, LA Shortly before 11:00 pm on August 11, 2015, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a single vehicle fatality crash that occurred on LA 415 south of US 190 in West Baton Parish. The crash took the life of 38 year old Tasha Nelson of Port Allen.

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as 32 year old Dedrick Varise of Port Allen was traveling northbound on LA 415 in a 2002 Nissan Altima at a high rate of speed. As Varise crossed the Lafton overpass, he failed to maintain control of his vehicle. Varise’s vehicle struck several mailboxes as it ran off the right side of the road and hit an embankment. The vehicle began to overturn and Nelson, the rear passenger, was ejected from the vehicle. Varise and his front seat passenger, 35 year old Dennis Vallery of Port Allen, fled the scene on foot.

Nelson, who was not restrained, was transported to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital where she was pronounced deceased. Deputies from the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office located Varise and Vallery and transported them back to the scene. Troopers suspected impairment and speed to be a factors in the crash. Varise was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated but had to be transported to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital for minor injuries. A toxicology sample was taken from Varise and will be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Upon release from the hospital, Varise will be booked into the West Baton Rouge Parish Jail for DWI 1st Offense, Vehicular Homicide, Reckless Operation, Driving with a Suspended License, and No Seat Belt

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists 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. Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired, always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, and avoiding all distractions can often mean the difference between life and death.


Contact Information:
TFC Bryan Lee
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop A
Office: (225) 754-8524
bryan.lee@la.gov
www.LSP.org
www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice

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