| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 3007 | 2017-11-11 | Troop D | Rollover Crash on Interstate 10 Claims the Life of an Unrestrained Passenger |
TROOP D NEWS RELEASE November 11, 2017 Rollover Crash on Interstate 10 Claims the Life of an Unrestrained Passenger JEFFERSON DAVIS PARISH — One man is dead and another has been arrested following a two-vehicle crash on I-10 west of Jennings this morning. On November 11, 2017, shortly before 4:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a two-vehicle crash on I-10 Eastbound about two miles west of LA 26 in Jefferson Davis Parish. The preliminary investigation revealed a 1975 Oldsmobile driven by 30-year-old Rad C. Shabazz of Missouri City, Texas, failed to yield the right-of-way while driving onto the right lane of travel from the right shoulder of the highway. A 2003 GMC Yukon driven by 38-year-old Barney James Oakley of Ocean Springs, Mississippi struck the rear of the Oldsmobile as a result. The Oldsmobile rotated off of the roadway and become engulfed in flames. Shabazz and two passengers were properly restrained and were able to escape from the vehicle. They were transported from the scene with minor injuries. Shabazz was ticketed for improper moving of a parked vehicle. The GMC Yukon rolled over causing the unrestrained passenger, 45-year-old Carl J. Melitos of Pearland, Texas, to be partially ejected. Melitos was pronounced dead at the scene. Oakley (the driver of the GMC Yukon) was not injured but was observed tossing a bag containing approximately one pound of methamphetamine from the vehicle. It was also determined that he was impaired. The drugs were recovered and Oakley was charged with DWI, possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics (methamphetamine), and failure to wear a seat belt. Oakley was booked into the Jefferson Davis Parish Jail. A routine toxicology sample was obtained from Shabazz and will be submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation. Wearing a seat belt is the single most effective thing motorists can do to minimize the risk of injury of death in the event of a crash. Louisiana state law requires motor vehicle occupants to be properly restrained in all seating positions, day or night. Troop D has investigated 22 fatal crashes resulting in 31 deaths so far this year. Contact Information: | |||
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