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Source: http://lsp.org/news_detail.html?id=3073

id cleanReleaseDate troopName title
3073 2014-10-27 Troop D Fatal Crash in Calcasieu Parish

TROOP D NEWS RELEASE

October 27, 2014
Fatal Crash in Calcasieu Parish

Calcasieu Parish – On October 26, 2014, at 5:34 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash on Interstate Highway 10 about 3 ½ miles east of Lake Charles that claimed the life of a man from Lake Charles.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 1997 Dodge Avenger was traveling east on Interstate 10 in the left lane when, for unknown reasons, the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle veered right across all lanes and traveled off of the right side of the highway. The vehicle then rolled onto its side and impacted trees, crushing the roof and causing severe damage to the car. The vehicle came to rest at the bottom of an embankment and was partially covered by a tree, making it difficult to see from the highway.

The driver, 30-year-old Michael Joseph Owens of Lake Charles, was pronounced dead at the scene. Based on evidence at the scene and information provided by the Calcasieu Parish Coroner’s Office, the crash could have occurred 24 to 36 hours prior to being reported to us.

A toxicology sample was obtained from Owens and will be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continue to be leading causes of crashes in our state. Information on distracted driving may be found online at www.distrtaction.gov.

Troop D has investigated 13 fatal crashes resulting in 13 deaths this year.

Contact Information:
Sgt. James Anderson
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (337) 491-2932
james.l.anderson@la.gov
www.LSP.org
www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice

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