Aggrostats

St. Landry Parish- Today, Louisiana State Police Troop I investigated a two vehicle fatal crash on US 190 west of Lawtell. The crash claimed the life of an Opelousas man.

According to investigating troopers, on September 2, 2011, at 4:21 p.m., a 2005 Pontiac Grand Am driven by 55-year-old Joseph Austin of Opelousas, LA, was traveling south on Andrepont Road attemping to cross US 190. A 2006 Dodge Durango driven by 28-year-old Gabrielle Boxie of Sunset, LA, was traveling east on US 190 approaching Andrepont Road. As Austin was crossing US 190 he failed to yield and was struck by Boxie’s vehicle.

A passenger in Austin’s vehicle, 59-year-old Donald Berry of Opelousas, LA, died as a result of the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the St. Landry Parish Coroner. Austin and Boxie both were transported to a local area hospital with minor injuries.

Austin was found to be impaired and has been placed under arrest for vehicular homicide, vehicular negligent injury, and failure to yield. Once released from the hospital, Austin will be booked into the St. Landry Parish Jail. This crash remains under investigation.

This Labor Day weekend troopers, as well as other local law enforcement agencies, will be out looking for impaired drivers. If you plan to drink make sure you designate a driver. Troopers also remind drivers that if they are taking an illegal or controlled dangerous substance and they are found to be impaired, they can be arrested for DWI. Remember to driver sober or get pulled over.

For More Information Contact:

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