| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 753 | 2010-04-10 | Troop A | Unrestrained Passenger Killed in One-Vehicle Crash |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP A - NEWS RELEASE April 10, 2010 Unrestrained Passenger Killed in One-Vehicle Crash Sorrento – Louisiana State Police Troop A investigated a single vehicle crash last night shortly before 10:30 on Interstate 10 east of US 61 that claimed the life of an unrestrained passenger. Troopers’ investigation revealed that Deanna Johnson (B/F, age 19) of Baton Rouge was driving a 2003 Honda Odyssey west on I-10 when the right rear tire blew out. Johnson lost control of the vehicle and ran off the roadway to the right. The vehicle began to rotate counter-clockwise and struck several trees on its right side. Johnson was properly restrained when the crash occurred and sustained only minor injuries. She had two passengers in the vehicle with her. Marquisha Johns (B/F, age 19) of New Orleans was riding in the front passenger seat and was properly restrained when the crash occurred. Johns sustained minor to moderate injuries as a result of the crash. Akisha Smith (B/F, age 19) of the US Virgin Islands was riding in the right side middle seat and was not wearing a seat belt when the crash occurred. Smith was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Ascension Parish Coroner’s Office. Acadian Ambulance transported both Johnson and Johns to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Gonzales. Alcohol is not suspected to have been a factor in the crash; however, Troopers have submitted a sample of Johnson’s blood to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for chemical analysis. Troopers will submit the completed investigation to the District Attorney’s Office for review and charges may be forthcoming. The Louisiana Legislature passed a law last year requiring all occupants of motor vehicles to wear a seat belt while riding on public roadways. Louisiana State Police has partnered with Sheriff’s Offices, City Police Departments, and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission to raise awareness of the law and to increase usage throughout the state. Statistics have proven that increased seat belt use is directly related to decreased injuries and fatalities in Louisiana crashes. The three seconds it takes to fasten a seat belt can mean the difference between life and death. BUCKLE UP…SEAT BELTS SAVE LIVES!!! Contact Information: TFC 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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