| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 5769 | 2016-09-01 | Troop G | I-20 Crash in Webster Parish Claims the Life of One And Seriously Injured Two Others |
TROOP G NEWS RELEASE September 1, 2016 I-20 Crash in Webster Parish Claims the Life of One And Seriously Injured Two Others Webster Parish-On August 31, 2016, at 5:30 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a report of a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 20, about 4 miles east of Goodwill Rd that claimed the life of a Sarepta woman and seriously injured two others. The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2010 Kenworth tractor/trailer operated by 47-year-old Roosevelt Toney II of Phoenix, AZ was traveling east on I-20 in the left travel lane, when for reasons still under investigation, he failed to stop for traffic that was slowing to a stop due to road construction and collided with several vehicles. Toney’s 2010 Kenworth first struck a 2015 Chevrolet Impala operated by 70-year-old Judith Doyle of Sarepta and continued east as it pushed her vehicle into the median. As the Kenworth continued east, it struck a 2014 Toyota Highlander operated by 62-year-old Debra Melton of Ruston and pushed it forward into a 2016 Mercedes Benz operated by 32-year-old Sara Cruz of Plano, TX. The Kenworth continued east leaving the Highlander off of the roadway in the median and the Mercedes sideways in the travel lanes of I-20. The Kenworth then struck a 2011 Ford F-150 operated by 29-year-old Charlie Grice of West Monroe from behind and caused it to hit the rear of a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria operated by 31-year-old Roshona Crow of Minden. At that time an east bound 1999 Freightliner tractor/trailer operated by 66-year-old Francis Hancock of Muscadine, AL struck the Mercedes Benz broad side and came to rest in the median. This crash claimed the life of 70-year-old Judith Doyle of Sarepta and left 62-year-old Debra Melton of Ruston and 32-year-old Sara Cruz of Plano, TX in serious condition. Doyle was pronounced dead at the scene by the Webster Parish coroner. Melton and Cruz were transported to University Health Shreveport for treatment. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in this crash, but toxicology samples were obtained and will be submitted for analysis. The driver of the 2010 Kenworth, Roosevelt Toney II, was charged with Reckless Operation and booked into the Webster Parish Jail. The driver of the 1999 Freightliner, Francis Hancock, was cited for Following Too Close and released. This crash remains under investigation. Troopers urge motorists to be aware of slowing traffic near work zones. This crash serves as a tragic reminder of how important it is to pay attention to the roadway especially in and around work zones. The state of Louisiana mandates that all work zones have the proper signage and warning devices in place to notify motorists that work is taking place and to reduce their speeds. The state of Louisiana also mandates that all motorists are to obey all signage on roadways and reduce your speed to the set limits in work zone areas. Taking these measures is the single most proactive way to reduce your chances of being involved in a work zone crash. Contact Information: | |||
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