| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 621 | 2019-04-10 | Troop A | Impairment Suspected in Crash that Kills North Carolina Man |
TROOP A NEWS RELEASE Impairment Suspected in Crash that Kills North Carolina Man Port Allen – Shortly before 10:00 pm on April 9, 2019, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a two vehicle fatal crash on US Hwy 190 west of LA Hwy 1 in West Baton Rouge Parish. The crash claimed the life of 28-year-old Frank Blankenship of Walnut Cove, North Carolina. The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred when Blankenship’s 1999 Saturn Vue was parked partially on the shoulder and partially in the eastbound lane of US Hwy 190. For unknown reasons, Blankenship exited the vehicle and began standing in the roadway next to the vehicle. At the same time, 55-year-old Carl Perkins of Baton Rouge was traveling eastbound on US Hwy 190 in a 2005 Toyota Camry. For reasons still under investigation, the Camry struck Blankenship and the Saturn. Blankenship sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash, and was pronounced deceased on scene by the West Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office. Impairment on his part is unknown at this time. An autopsy and toxicology report will be completed by the coroner’s office. Perkins was also properly restrained and was not injured. Impairment is suspected to be a factor in the crash on the part of Perkins. Troopers arrested and transported Perkins to a nearby facility where he provided a breath sample that tested two times over the legal limit. After the breath test, Troopers booked Perkins into the West Baton Rouge Parish Detention Center for violating LRS 14:32.1 Vehicular Homicide and LRS 32:415 Driving Under Suspension. This crash remains under investigation. 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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