Aggrostats

According to investigating Troopers, on August 18, 2012, shortly before 3:00 a.m., 26-year-old Jackie Gautreaux of St. Martinville, was driving a 1999 Jeep SUV north on LA 347. For reasons still under investigation, Gautreaux drove off the right side of the road where his vehicle traveled through a ditch, struck a utility pole then struck a culvert. Gautreaux, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was not injured in the crash.

One of the passengers in Gautreaux’s vehicle, 22-year-old Whitney Viator of St. Martinville, sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Troopers indicated Viator was properly restrained. The second passenger in the vehicle, 32-year-old Joey Stelly of St. Martinville, was not wearing a seatbelt and was partially ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead by the St. Martin Parish Coroner.

Troopers believe Gautreaux was under the influence of narcotics. Toxicology samples were obtained from Gautreaux and will be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. He was placed under arrest for DWI, vehicular homicide, vehicular negligent injury, careless operation and for not wearing a seatbelt. He was booked into the St. Martin Parish Jail.

This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers remind drivers that impaired driving continues to be a major problem throughout Louisiana. Troopers have seen the number of deaths and serious injuries due to impaired drivers decrease in recent years; however, there is still work to be done. Troopers will continue to enforce Louisiana’s DWI laws across the state and remain committed to a public education campaign to end impaired driving. Have a plan and designate a driver before you decide to drink.

For More Information Contact:

TFC. Stephen Hammons
Louisiana State Police
Troop I- Public Affairs
337-262-1917
Stephen.hammons@dps.la.gov
www.LSP.org