| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 7648 | 2012-10-11 | Troop I | Troopers Requested to Investigate Fatal Crash in Maurice |
Troop I - NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release October 11, 2012 Troopers Requested to Investigate Fatal Crash in Maurice MAURICE- Today, Louisiana State Police Troop I was requested by the Town of Maurice Police Chief to investigate a fatal crash on US Highway 167 that involved one of his officers, and claimed the life of an Abbeville man. According to investigating Troopers, on October 11, 2012, at 12:15 p.m., Officer Willis Thomas was driving a marked 2012 Dodge Charger Maurice Police Unit, north on US Highway 167 in the left lane. Officer Thomas, who was responding to an emergency call, had his emergency lights and siren activated as he approached the intersection of US Highway 167 and Opta Drive. A 2008 Mercury passenger car, driven by 83-year-old Paul Suire of Abbeville, was traveling west on Opta Drive approaching US Highway 167. Suire, after stopping at a stop sign, pulled out in front of Officer Willis’ vehicle. The front of Officer Willis’ unit struck the driver side of Suire’s vehicle. Suire, who was restrained, was pronounced dead by the Vermilion Parish Coroner. A passenger in Suire’s vehicle, 79-year-old Philomene Suire of Abbeville, was restrained and sustained moderate injuries. Officer Thomas, who was unrestrained, sustained minor injuries. It is unknown if impairment was a factor in this crash; however, toxicology samples were obtained and will be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. This crash remains under investigation. Troopers remind drivers that Louisiana State Law requires drivers of vehicles to yield to emergency vehicles when the emergency lights and or the sirens are activated. For More Information Contact: | |||
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