| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 6994 | 2016-05-27 | Troop I | Unrestrained Passenger Dies in Crash near Catahoula |
| TROOP I NEWS RELEASE May 27, 2016 Unrestrained Passenger Dies in Crash near Catahoula St. Martin Parish – A single vehicle crash claimed the life of an unrestrained Breaux Bridge man this morning. On May 27, 2016, shortly before 11:55 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to a single-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 96 near Zeb Drive west of Catahoula. The preliminary investigation revealed a 2007 Toyota Tundra driven by 49-year-old Joseph Charles of Breaux Bridge was traveling east on LA 96 when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle traveled off of the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. Charles, who was wearing a seat belt, was transported to a local hospital and treated for moderate injuries. The front seat passenger, 31-year-old Christopher Alexander of Breaux Bridge was not wearing a seat belt and suffered fatal injuries. Alexander was pronounced dead on scene by the St. Martin Parish Coroner’s Office. Shawn Dural 37-years-old of Breaux Bridge, a rear seat passenger, was wearing a seat belt and sustained moderate injuries. Dural was transported to a local hospital for treatment. It is unknown if impairment is a factor in the crash. A standard toxicology sample was obtained from Charles and submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. The crash remains under investigation and charges are pending. Wearing a seat belt is the simplest and most effective step motorists can take to reduce the risk of injury in the event of a crash. The three seconds it takes to put one on can be the difference between life and death. Louisiana state law requires motor vehicle occupants to be properly restrained in all seating positions, day and night. Motorists are encouraged to make the smart choice and wear a seat belt on every trip. Contact Information: | |||
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