| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 47 | 2016-03-20 | Troop A | 18 Year Old Gonzales Man Arrested for Vehicular Homicide after Two Vehicle Crash in Ascension Parish |
| TROOP A NEWS RELEASE March 20, 2016 18 Year Old Gonzales Man Arrested for Vehicular Homicide after Two Vehicle Crash in Ascension Parish Prairieville, LA – Shortly after 11:00 am on March 20, 2016, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a two vehicle fatality crash on US 61 south of LA 73 in Ascension Parish. The crash took the life of 46 year old Tomas Hernandez-Lozano of Baton Rouge, LA. The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as 18 year old Jerry Mendez was traveling southbound on US 61 in a 2006 Toyota Tundra. Hernandez-Lozano was stopped, waiting to exit the parking lot of The Flea Market of Louisiana in a 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe. Mendez lost control of his vehicle and ran off the right side of the roadway. Mendez’s vehicle struck Hernandez-Lozano’s vehicle on the driver’s side. The impact caused Hernandez-Lozano’s vehicle to overturn. Mendez’s vehicle continued into an open before coming to a stop. Hernandez-Lozano was properly restrained at the time of the crash but suffered fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Ascension Parish Coroner’s Office. Hernandez-Lozano’s passenger sustained serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Mendez was also properly restrained and received only minor injuries in the crash. During the course of their investigation, Troopers determined that Mendez was impaired. Troopers arrested Mendez for Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Negligent Injuring, Driving While Intoxicated (1st Offense), Reckless Operation, and Operating a Vehicle without a Driver’s License. A toxicology sample was taken from both Mendez and Hernandez-Lozano for analysis. 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: | |||
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