| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 711 | 2009-02-09 | Troop A | Impaired Pregnant Woman Causes Major Crash |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP A - NEWS RELEASE Impaired Pregnant Woman Causes Major Crash BATON ROUGE – Shortly before 8:00 a.m. this morning on LA 22 over the Diversion Canal, a young woman caused a serious crash, threatening the lives of several occupants. Nicole M. Richard (W/F, age 30) of St. Amant was driving a 2000 Isuzu Rodeo west on LA 22 in the eastbound lane on the Diversion Canal bridge. As the Rodeo came across the bridge, it struck a 2003 Ford Pickup head-on at the top of the bridge. Richard was pregnant, believed to be impaired, and was seriously injured in the crash. She had two small children in the vehicle with her, ages 6 and 1. Neither of the children was properly restrained and both children sustained injuries in the crash. Richard’s third passenger, David Muliana (W/M, age 26) of St. Amant, was riding in the front seat, was not wearing a seatbelt, and sustained serious injuries in the crash as well. Byron L. Jones (W/M, age 26) of Denham Springs, the driver of the Ford pickup, was properly restrained and sustained minor/moderate injuries. Richard was transported to Baton Rouge General Hospital on Bluebonnet, where she remains in critical condition. State Police has charged her with DWI/Child Endangerment, Negligent Injury, Driving Left of Center, Driving Under Suspension, and Improper Child Restraint Use (2 counts). Drug impairment is suspected to have been a factor in the crash and Troopers have submitted Richard’s blood to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for chemical analysis. Pending the results of that analysis, Richard may face more charges. Alcohol is not the only substance that impairs one’s ability to drive a vehicle safely. It is important to note that illegal drugs, prescription medication, and even some over-the-counter medications can cause impairment. Driving while impaired on any of the above-listed substances is not only dangerous, it is also illegal. State Troopers will arrest any driver who they suspect of driving while impaired. Contact Information: Tpr Russell G. Graham II Public Affairs Unit Louisiana State Police – Troop A Office: (225) 754-8524 russell.graham@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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