| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 6398 | 2011-10-04 | Troop G | Logansport Man Killed in Head-On Collision in DeSoto Parish |
| TROOP G - NEWS RELEASE October 4, 2011 Logansport Man Killed in Head-On Collision in DeSoto Parish DeSoto Parish – Today, a two-vehicle crash involving a water truck in DeSoto Parish claimed the life of a 40-year-old Logansport man. Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to the crash at 1:33 p.m. which occurred on LA 5, just south of Keatchie, in DeSoto Parish. Troopers’ preliminary investigation revealed that 40-year-old Gary L. Freeman of Logansport was traveling north on LA 5, while operating a 2005 Chevrolet Impala, when he entered the southbound lane and passed another vehicle. Moments later, the Impala, while traveling north in the southbound lane, approached a 1998 International water truck that was traveling south. The Impala, for unknown reasons, failed to re-enter its lane of travel and collided head-on with the water truck. After the collision the Impala became engulfed in flames. The driver of the water truck, 44-year-old Johnny R. Johnson of Carthage, TX was able to exit his vehicle and put out the fire using the water from his truck. Johnson was not injured in the crash. Freeman was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash but sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the DeSoto Parish Coroner. Speed and driver distraction are suspected to be factors in the crash. Toxicology results are pending and the crash remains under investigation. Troopers would like to remind motorists to always exercise caution, refrain from distracted driving, and obey all Louisiana laws while operating a motor vehicle. By taking these precautionary steps, motorists can substantially reduce their risk of being involved and/or injured in a crash. Troop G troopers have investigated 21 fatal crashes for the year of 2011, which resulted in 24 fatalities. | |||
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