Aggrostats

An unrestrained child has died in a one-vehicle crash in Union Parish.

Louisiana State Police Troop F Troopers responded to the crash on LA 15, approximately 3 miles east of Spearsville, at about 12:45 am this morning. The investigation revealed that a 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse was traveling south on LA 15 when it traveled across the center-line into the northbound travel lane and slid off the road into a ditch. The vehicle then struck a large tree and came to rest in the ditch area.

A one-year-old female child sustained fatal injuries in the crash. The child was not restrained in a child seat at the time of the crash.

The driver, identified as 21-year-old Karla Lewis from El Dorado, AR, was transported to the Medical Center of South Arkansas in El Dorado with moderate injuries. Lewis was not wearing a seat belt and impairment is suspected to be a factor in the crash.

A third occupant, identified as 33-year-old Regie Willis, was also transported to the Medical Center of South Arkansas with moderate injuries. Willis was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Lewis was issued citations for careless operation, no driver's license, and no child restraint. Additional charges are expected pending the results of toxicology tests.

The proper wearing of a seat belt and the proper selection and use of a child restraint is the best way to reduce injuries and fatalities in car crashes. There is no excuse for failing to restrain a child and yourself. Every Louisiana State Police troop is recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as a child safety seat “Inspection Station”. In the Troop F area, you can contact the Troop F office at (318)345-0000 to make an appointment with a nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technician to ensure that your seat is the correct one for your child and is properly installed in your vehicle.

In 2011, Louisiana State Police Troop F Troopers have investigated thirty-six (36) fatal crashes resulting in forty-one (41) deaths.

Contact Information:
TFC Mark Dennis
Public Information Officer
Louisiana State Police – Troop F
Office: (318) 345-2810
Mark.Dennis@dps.la.gov
www.LSP.org