Aggrostats

On December 15, 2017, shortly before 2:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a single vehicle crash on Linwood Avenue just north of LA 3276 in DeSoto Parish. The preliminary investigation revealed a 2004 Ford Mustang driven by 18-year-old Seth Andrew Steele of Shreveport was fleeing from a DeSoto Parish deputy who was attempting to stop the vehicle for a speeding violation. Steele was traveling at a high rate of speed when he failed to negotiate a curve, left the roadway and struck several trees before the vehicle overturned.

During the crash the unrestrained passenger, 33-year-old Michael Joseph McDowell of Shreveport, was ejected. McDowell died as a result of his injuries. Steele was wearing a seat belt and was transported to University Health in Shreveport with minor injuries.

Speed is considered the primary factor in this crash. A toxicology sample was obtained from Steele and will be submitted for analysis.

The crash remains under investigation. Charges against Steele are pending.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that all occupants in a vehicle must be restrained, regardless of seating position. While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained. Wearing a seat belt is the single most effective thing motorists can do to protect themselves in the event of a crash.

Making smart choices when driving can often be the difference between life and death. Louisiana law requires all drivers to pull safely to the shoulder of the road when a police officer is behind your vehicle with emergency lights activated.

In 2017, Troop G has investigated 23 fatal crashes resulting in 26 deaths.

Contact information:
TPR Glenn Younger
Louisiana State Police
Troop G Public Affairs
Office: (318)741-7411
glenn.younger@la.gov
www.LSP.org
www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice