| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 588 | 2019-08-10 | Troop A | Impaired Driver Arrested in Fatal Head-On Iberville Parish Crash |
TROOP A NEWS RELEASE Impaired Driver Arrested in Fatal Head-On Iberville Parish Crash Plaquemine – Shortly before 10:00 pm on August 9, 2019, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a two vehicle fatal crash on LA Hwy 77 (Bayou Jacob Rd.) west of LA Hwy 1 in Iberville Parish. The crash took the life of 39-year-old Julia Patterson of Plaquemine. The initial investigation revealed that the crash occurred as 41-year-old Roger Brigalia of Plaquemine and his passenger were traveling eastbound on LA Hwy 77 in a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado. At the same time, Patterson was traveling westbound on LA Hwy 77 in a 2016 Nissan Altima. For reasons still under investigation, Brigalia crossed the centerline into the opposing lane, which resulted in the Chevrolet striking the Nissan head-on. Patterson was unrestrained at the time of the crash. She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. Although impairment is not suspected by Patterson, a routine toxicology sample was obtained from her and will be submitted for analysis. Brigalia and his passenger were also unrestrained at the time of the crash. They sustained moderate injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Impairment is suspected to be a factor in the crash on the part of Brigalia, and a toxicology sample was taken from him to be submitted for analysis. After being medically cleared from the hospital, Troopers arrested Brigalia and booked him into the Iberville Parish Jail for violating LRS 14:32.1 Vehicular Homicide, LRS 14:39.1 Vehicular Negligent Injuring, LRS 14:98 DWI (1st Offense), LRS 40:966 Possession of Schedule I Drugs, LRS 40:967 Possession of Schedule II Drugs, LRS 40:1023 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, LRS 32:71 Driving Left of Center, and LRS 32:415 Driving Under Suspension. This crash remains under investigation and there is no further information at this time. Time and time again, Troopers witness preventable motor vehicle crashes. Impairment and lack of seat belt usage are primary causes of crashes across the state of Louisiana. Nearly half of the fatal crashes in Louisiana are caused by impaired drivers. Louisiana State Police urge motorists to have a plan in place that includes a designated driver when consuming alcohol. Alcohol can impair visual ability, alter sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills, and decrease reaction times. Alcohol can begin to impair a person's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle after just one drink. Please choose to not drive impaired or ride with an impaired driver, and always buckle up. Contact Information: | |||
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