| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 630 | 2019-02-25 | Troop A | Denham Springs Man Arrested after Interfering with Crash Scene |
TROOP A NEWS RELEASE Denham Springs Man Arrested after Interfering with Crash Scene Maurepas – Yesterday evening, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A placed a Denham Springs man under arrest for interfering with a law enforcement investigation and obstructing first responders. 45-year-old Michael R. Holzheuser Jr. was arrested after he drove into an active crash scene and intentionally blocked first responder vehicles, preventing them from safely investigating the scene. The investigation began shortly after 7:30 pm on February 22, 2019, when Troopers were notified of a four-vehicle crash, which also involved several livestock animals, on LA 22 west of LA 1039 in Livingston Parish. When Troopers arrived on scene, the roadway was shut down as a result of the crash and injured animals in the roadway. While Troopers and other first responders were working to open the roadway, Holzheuser entered the crash scene and began shouting directions and cursing at first responders. Troopers instructed Holzheuser to exit the crash scene and return to his vehicle. Holzheuser then drove his vehicle through the scene along the shoulder of the roadway, and parked it on a private driveway blocking in several emergency vehicles. Troopers stated to Holzheuser that he would need to move his vehicle or it would be towed. As Troopers turned their attention back to the crash investigation; Holzheuser left the scene on foot leaving his vehicle blocking several emergency vehicles. Upon completing the crash investigation, Troopers towed Holzheuser’s vehicle from the scene. On February 24, 2019, shortly before 5:30pm Troopers located and arrested Holzheuser. He was booked into the Livingston Parish Jail for violating LRS 14:329 Interfering with a Law Enforcement Investigation, LRS 14:327 Obstructing a Fireman, LRS 14:103 Disturbing the Peace, LRS 32:143 Stopping, Standing or Parking Prohibited in Specified Places, LRS 32:74 Passing on the Shoulder, and LRS 32:56 Obedience to Police Officers, Signs and Signals. While responding to scenes the primary goal for first responders is the safety of all those involved, and they need and deserve room to safely work. The decision to drive around barricades or to ignore warning signs can have deadly consequences for first responders and innocent bystanders alike. Therefore, Louisiana law prohibits motorists from traveling around road closure barricades and requires motorists to obey all warning signs and lawful directions. Exercising a little patience while first responders work to clear crash scenes can lead to a safe working environment for all those involved. Contact Information: | |||
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