Aggrostats

TROOP I NEWS RELEASE

March 27, 2015

On March 27 2015, shortly after 9:30 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to a three-vehicle crash on US 190 near Interstate 49. The preliminary investigation revealed a 1997 Mercury Tracer, operated by 47 year old Catherine Arclese of Opelousas, was traveling north on the I-49 east Frontage Road and stopped at its intersection with US 190. A 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, operated by 18 year old Brandell Pryor of Opelousas, was traveling west on US 190. Pryor was towing a 1997 Buick Park Avenue. (Vehicle 3 was being towed with a strap and had a driver in control of the vehicle). The driver behind the wheel of towed vehicle was 25 year old Porche Rubin of Opelousas.

Arclese attempted to cross both lanes of US 190 to gain access to the entrance ramp to I-49. In doing so, her vehicle crossed into the path of Pryor’s vehicle. The impact caused Arclese’s vehicle and Pryor’s vehicle to exit the roadway on the north side of US 190, where both came to rest in a gore. After the initial impact, the front bumper area of the Buick struck the rear bumper area of the Chevrolet truck causing the tow strap to break. The Buick traveled a short distance and came to rest west of the initial point of impact on the roadway.

Arclese sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Harold Richard, 55 years old from Opelousas was a passenger in Arclese’s vehicle. Richard sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers were unable to determine if Richard was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Pryor sustained injuries and refused treatment at the scene. Five (5) passengers in Pryor’s vehicle were injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment. Rubin and two passengers were injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Impairment is suspected of being a contributing factor in the crash. Toxicology samples were obtained from Arclese and Rubin and will be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Troopers determined Pryor was not impaired at the time of the crash.

Arclese was cited for Failure to Yield, however; this case remains under investigation and further charges may be filed.

Pryor was cited with two (2) counts Child Restraint violations.

The crash remains under investigation.

Distractions continue to cause motor vehicle crashes throughout the Acadiana area. Troopers urge motorist to pay attention to vehicles on the roadway. Cellphone use, radios and passengers are just a few of the major distractions facing drivers. Remember, before putting a vehicle in drive, everyone inside of the vehicle must be properly restrained. Also, if you consume any alcoholic beverage the best person to drive is not the one who has had the least, but the person who has had none.

Troop I has investigated 18 fatal crashes resulting in 18 deaths this year.

Contact Information:
M/T Brooks David
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (337) 262-1917
brooks.david@la.gov
www.LSP.org
www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice