| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 3917 | 2014-04-07 | Troop E | **UPDATE**Unrestrained Young Teen Killed in Early Morning Crash |
TROOP E NEWS RELEASE April 7, 2014 **UPDATE**Unrestrained Young Teen Killed in Early Morning Crash **Due to the level of doubt, uncertainty, and several other extenuating circumstances, Louisiana State Police has continued investigating this fatal crash, which claimed the life of a young teen on December 20, 2013. LSP’s investigation generated sufficient probable cause to believe that Cody Reed and Denise Prouty conspired to obstruct the investigation into the circumstances of the crash, by removing evidence from the crash scene, manipulating certain aspects of the crash scene, and lying to Troopers. Additionally, evidence existed which indicated Reed failed to properly supervise Andrew Mendez, which ultimately contributed to his death. Warrants were subsequently obtained for the arrests of Reed and Prouty. On March 18, 2014, Reed and Prouty were arrested by LSP Troopers. Reed was booked into the LaSalle Parish Jail and charged with negligent homicide, obstruction of justice, criminal conspiracy, littering in a wildlife management area, open alcoholic container while operating a motor vehicle, and no seatbelt. Prouty was booked into the LaSalle Parish Jail and charged with criminal conspiracy, obstruction of justice, open alcoholic container in a motor vehicle, and no seatbelt. As the investigation continued, LSP uncovered more evidence that indicated Reed was actually the driver of the vehicle, at the time of the crash, and was also impaired. An additional warrant was obtained, for his arrest, and on April 5, 2014 Reed was arrested again by LSP Troopers and charged with vehicular homicide. Reed was booked again into the LaSalle Parish Jail. See below for the original news release. LaSalle Parish – Early this morning, a single vehicle crash killed a young teenager from Deville, LA and injured two other occupants. All three occupants were not wearing a seatbelt and were ejected during the crash. Troopers responded to the crash around 4:15 a.m., which occurred on Diversion Canal Levee Road off of LA Hwy 28. The crash involved a 1999 Chevrolet pickup, driven by Andrew Mendez (W/M 14 yrs). The Chevrolet was southbound on Diversion Canal Levee Road when Mendez lost control and exited the right side of the roadway. After exiting the roadway, the vehicle began overturning. Mendez was pronounced dead at the scene. Mendez’s passengers, identified as Cody Ethan Reed (W/M 21 yrs) of Deville and Denise Marie Prouty (W/F 18 yrs) of Deville, were transported to Rapides Regional Trauma Center for treatment. Reed received serious injuries and Prouty received moderate injuries. Routine toxicology tests are pending. The crash remains under investigation. Louisiana State Police would like to take this opportunity to remind/inform motorists that properly wearing your seatbelt will dramatically reduce your chance of being injured or killed in a crash. We ask you to take one second to “buckle up!” Troop E Troopers have investigated 48 fatal crashes in 2013, resulting in 50 fatalities. Contact Information: M/T Daniel “Scott” Moreau Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Section – Troop E Office: (318) 769-9USA (872) scott.moreau@la.gov www.LSP.org www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice | |||
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