| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 7153 | 2016-03-07 | Troop I | Troopers Investigate Two Separate Fatal Crashes |
TROOP I NEWS RELEASE March 7, 2016 Troopers Investigate Two Separate Fatal Crashes Troop I – On March 6, 2016, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I investigated two separated fatal crashes that claimed the life of two individuals. The first fatal crash occurred on LA 104 Near LA 103 in Evangeline Parish and the second took place on LA 182 north of US 90 in St. Mary Parish. At approximately 4:50 PM, 19 year-old Demetrius Bergeron of Ville Platte, LA was driving a 2002 Chevrolet truck westbound on LA 104. For reasons still under investigation, Bergeron’s vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway. After exiting the roadway, Bergeron overcorrected and his vehicle began to rotate counterclockwise and overturn. Bergeron was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. Bergeron suffered critical injuries and was transported to Opelousas General by Acadian Ambulance. Bergeron later died at the hospital as a result of those injuries. Two passengers, both of Ville Plate, 19 year-old Vontrell Arvie and 24 Year-old Hillary Ardoin, were not wearing seat belts and suffered minor injuries. Troopers suspect impairment to have been a factor in this crash. Toxicology samples were taken from Bergeron and sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. The second fatal crash occurred shortly before 11:45 PM on LA 182 north of US 90 in St. Mary Parish. Jimmy Barras, a 52 year-old male from Patterson, Louisiana, was driving a 2003 Toyota Matrix westbound on LA 182. Barras’ vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway and partially onto the grass shoulder. Barras’ vehicle began to rotate clockwise and struck a tree. Barras was wearing a seat belt, but suffered fatal injuries. The St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office arrived on scene and pronounced Barras dead As part of the on-going crash investigation, the St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office obtained blood samples from Barras. The results will be sent to the Louisiana State Police Troop I. Both crashes remain under investigation. While not all crashes are survivable, seat belts use remains the most effective tool in avoiding serious injury or death in the event of a crash. Please take the time to speak with your loved ones about the importance of their decisions behind the wheel. Never drink and drive, always wear your seat belt, and eliminate distractions.
| |||
| No attachments for this article. | |||