| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 6990 | 2016-06-26 | Troop I | Improperly Restrained One Year Old Killed in St. Landry Parish Crash |
| TROOP I NEWS RELEASE June 26, 2016 Improperly Restrained One Year Old Killed in St. Landry Parish Crash Opelousas, LA – Shortly before 6:30 am on June 26, 2016, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a single vehicle fatality crash that occurred on LA Hwy 182 near Flagstation Road in St. Landry Parish. The crash took the life of 1 year old Jamaika Johnson from Carencro, LA. The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as 24 year old Bendel Williams of Carencro was driving a 2000 Dodge Ram pickup truck northbound on LA Hwy 182. For unknown reasons, Williams ran off the right side of the roadway and struck an embankment, which caused his vehicle to overturn. Williams was wearing a seat belt, but sustained moderate injuries. He was transported to Opelousas General and treated for his injuries. Johnson was improperly restrained with a shoulder/lap belt in the rear seat and suffered severe injuries. Johnson was transported to Opelousas General where she later died from her injuries. Impairment is unknown at this time; however, a toxicology sample was taken from Williams and submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children 2 years old and younger should be properly restrained in a rear facing child restraint. Children 12 years and younger should always ride in the rear seat. Every occupant in a motor vehicle is required by Louisiana law to be properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. 96% of child restraints are installed improperly. Every Louisiana State Police Troop is a grant funded fitting station staffed by nationally certified child safety seat technicians. Each fitting station teaches parents/caregivers how to properly install the child restraint and how to properly buckle the child in the restraint. This service is FREE to the public. Please visit www.LSP.org to find out when your local LSP troop conducts child seat checks. LSP Troop I conducts child seat checks every Wednesday, from 8a-noon at Troop I in Lafayette, LA. No appointment is necessary. Please stop by and see us, you will gain invaluable information that will protect your child in the event you are in a motor vehicle crash. Contact Information: | |||
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