| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 774 | 2010-02-28 | Troop A | Three-Vehicle Crash Claims Two Young Lives, Driver Impairment Suspected |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP A - NEWS RELEASE Three-Vehicle Crash Claims Two Young Lives, Driver Impairment Suspected SORRENTO – Two young men were killed today in a three-vehicle crash on LA 70 near Sorrento shortly after 5:00 p.m. State Troopers began investigating the crash that had LA 70 near LA 22 closed to traffic for nearly three hours. Preliminary investigation revealed that a 1991 Honda Civic, being driven by Thomas Walker (W/M, age 18) of Robert, was traveling toward Sorrento on LA 70 when it crossed the centerline and sideswiped a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu traveling the opposite direction. After the collision with the Malibu, the Civic continued traveling in the opposing lane and struck a 2009 Chevrolet Pickup head on. Walker and his passenger, Christopher Stafford (W/M, age 23) of Ponchatoula, were both killed upon impact with the pickup. It is unknown why Walker drove the Civic across the centerline, but Troopers suspect he may have been impaired. The driver of the Malibu, Stephanie Nisby (B/F, age 41) of Gibson, her two minor children, and the driver of the pickup, Christopher Paz (W/M, age 25) of Prairieville, were all transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Gonzales with minor injuries. All occupants were properly restrained when the crash occurred. Troopers do not suspect either Nisby or Paz of having been impaired. However, Troopers have submitted blood samples from all three drivers to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for chemical analysis. Troopers would like to remind everyone that there is no excuse for impaired drivers to be on our roadways. Even “slight” impairment can mean the difference between life and death. Slowed reaction times and inability to perform multiple tasks at once severely limit one’s ability to drive a vehicle safely. Troopers will continue aggressive DWI enforcement in an effort to keep impaired drivers off our roadways. Designate a driver and always buckle up! Following these two simple rules will save lives! | |||
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