| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 6422 | 2012-12-21 | Troop G | Fatal crash in DeSoto Parish |
TROOP G - NEWS RELEASE December 21, 2012 Fatal crash in DeSoto Parish On December 21, 2012, shortly before 6:30 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop G investigated a three vehicle crash on Interstate 49 just south of LA Highway 175 in DeSoto Parish that claimed the life of a Virginia man. The preliminary investigation revealed that a 1999 Western Star tractor trailer occupied by 42-year-old James Castleberry of Queen City, TX was disabled on the north bound shoulder of Interstate 49 due to transmission problems, when a 2011 Dodge Pickup operated by 29 year-old Charles Mitchell of Emory, TX collided with the tractor trailer from the rear. The Dodge Pickup then came to a stop partially blocking the right travel lane and a 2007 Ford Pickup operated by 68 year-old Larry Richard of Scott, LA side swiped the Dodge Pickup, lost control, exited the right side of the roadway, and came to a stop. Charles Mitchell was not wearing a seatbelt during the crash and was seriously injured. Mitchell’s passenger, 30 year-old Jonathon Wallace of Colonial Heights, VA, was also not wearing a seatbelt during the crash and was fatally injured. Mitchell was transported by Life Air to a local hospital for his injuries and Wallace was pronounced dead at the scene by the DeSoto Parish Coroner. Larry Richard and his passenger 42 year-old Troy Richard of Edmond, OK were both wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash and were not seriously injured. Toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation. The majority of fatal and serious injury crashes involve occupants who are not wearing seat belts. Troopers would like to remind motorists of the importance of being properly restrained at all times in every seating position in the vehicle. Buckle up Louisiana. Every trip. Every time. Contact Information: Trooper Matt Harris Public Information Officer Louisiana State Police – Troop G Office: (318) 741-7411 Matt.Harris@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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