| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 3479 | 2008-02-06 | Troop D | Vehicle/Pedestrian Crash Ends in Fatality |
| NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: S/T Sal Messina Louisiana State Police Public Affairs – Troop D (337) 491-2932- Office (337) 219-2466- Pager February 6, 2008 - Vehicle/Pedestrian Crash Ends in Fatality (Elton, LA) On Tuesday, February 5, 2008, at 7:40 p.m., Troop D investigated a fatality crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. The crash was located on LA 26 milepost 55.2, just south of Elton in Jefferson Davis Parish. The crash was a result of a pedestrian that was riding with his family and got into a heated argument. He got out of the vehicle and began walking south on LA 26 approximately three feet inside the southbound lane of travel. The pedestrian was dressed in dark clothing and there are no street lights in the rural area. He was struck by a 1992 Chevrolet pickup, driven by 45 year old Eric McZeal of Jennings, traveling south on LA 26. The pedestrian received fatal injuries as a result of the crash. The pedestrian, 21 year old Keith Fontenot of Jennings, was pronounced deceased on the scene from injuries he suffered in the crash. Impairment is unknown on Fontenot at this time and standard toxicology tests are pending. Mr. McZeal suffered minor injuries and refused treatment. Tests given to McZeal showed no alcohol in his system. No citations were issued in this crash. The crash was investigated by Tpr Timothy Guinn. Assisting in the investigation was Sgt Kevin Manuel and Tpr Michael Narcisse. This is the third person to die in fatality crash investigated by Troop D this year. In 2007, Troop D investigated five pedestrian fatalities. It is also a good idea to wear light colored or reflective clothing when walking on the roadway at night. The Louisiana Revised Statute 32:216 states as follows: §216. Pedestrians on highways or interstate highways A. Where sidewalks are provided, it shall be unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along and upon an adjacent highway. B. Where sidewalks are not provided, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, walk only on the left side of the highway or its shoulder, facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction. “Alcohol or Drugs, Impairment is Impairment! Drive Impaired Get Arrested"
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT S/T SAL MESSINA AT (337) 491-2932 OR PAGER (337) 219-2466. VISIT THE WEBSITE AT WWW.LSP.ORG | |||
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