| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 7100 | 2014-11-08 | Troop I | Two Separate Crashes in the Troop I Area Leave Two Residents Dead |
TROOP I NEWS RELEASE November 8, 2014 Two Separate Crashes in the Troop I Area Leave Two Residents Dead Troop I- Yesterday evening, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I investigated two separate fatal crashes, just hours apart. The crashes resulted in the deaths of two men from Breaux Bridge and Centerville. St. Mary- The evening’s first crash occurred at approximately 7:50 p.m. on LA 182 by Dixie Road near Franklin. Preliminary investigation revealed a 1999 Dodge truck, operated by 52 year old David Polidore of Centerville, was traveling east on LA 182 when it crossed the centerline and struck a 2007 Honda Civic, operated by 56 year old Rhonda Mello of Franklin. After impact, the Dodge truck rolled onto its right side and continued to travel in the westbound lane of LA 182. While on its side, the Dodge struck a Ford F150 traveling west, operated by 50 year old Terry Adams of Patterson. Polidore was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash, but was pronounced dead by the St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office. Rhonda Mello and her passenger Harley Mello were wearing seat belts and received moderate injuries. Both were transported to a local hospital and treated for their injuries. Terry Adams and his passenger, Crystal Gonzalez were wearing seat belts and were not injured. Impairment is suspected to be a factor in the crash. Routine toxicology samples were taken and sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. St. Martin – The evening’s second fatal crash occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. on LA 94 near LA Highway 328 in Breaux Bridge. The crash killed 28 year old Tyrone Celestine of Breaux Bridge. Preliminary investigation revealed 28 year old Tyrone Celestine of Breaux Bridge was traveling east on LA Highway 94 in the eastbound lane of travel on a bicycle and was struck from behind by a 1999 Dodge truck driven by 52 year old Lawrence Sam of Breaux Bridge. At impact, Celestine was thrown from the bicycle and received serious injuries. Celestine was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. Celestine was not wearing a helmet when the crash occurred. Sam was wearing a seat belt and was not injured. Sam was suspected to be impaired and was given a chemical breath test. Sam’s results were over the legal limit and he was subsequently arrested. Routine toxicology samples were taken from Celestine and sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Sam was charged with careless operation, open alcoholic container and vehicular homicide. He was booked at the St. Martin Parish Jail without incident. Impairment continues to be leading factors in fatal crashes throughout Acadiana. Wearing a helmet properly can greatly reduce a person’s risk of head injury in a crash. Troopers urge all riders to wear a helmet every time they ride their bicycle.
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