| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 7834 | 2011-12-01 | Troop I | Impairment Suspected Factor in St. Mary Parish Fatal Crash |
TROOP I - NEWS RELEASE November 30, 2011 Impairment Suspected Factor in St. Mary Parish Fatal Crash Centerville – Louisiana State Police Troop I investigated a two-vehicle fatal crash last night on US 90 in St. Mary Parish. The crash, which occurred shortly before 10:00 pm, injured one man and killed another and had the roadway blocked for several hours due to a hazardous materials spill. Troopers and Hazmat crews were on the scene until almost 5:30 am this morning. Troopers’ investigation revealed that a 2009 Chevrolet SUV, being driven by Damiyhan Verrett (B/M, age 33) of Raceland, was traveling west in the eastbound lanes of US 90 when it struck an eastbound vehicle. The eastbound vehicle was a 2008 Dodge one-ton pickup pulling a gooseneck trailer that was transporting flammable and corrosive hazardous materials. After impact, the pickup travelled through the median, crossed both westbound lanes of US 90, and came to rest in a wooded area north of the roadway. Louisiana DEQ and LSP Hazmat remained on-scene to oversee the cleanup efforts through the night. Verrett was pronounced deceased on the scene by the St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office. The driver of the pickup, Stuart Primeaux (W/M, age 51) of Lafayette, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Troopers suspect Verrett was impaired, which played a factor in this crash. They do not suspect impairment on Primeaux. However, Troopers have submitted samples of both drivers blood to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for chemical analysis. Drinking and driving continues to be a major problem across the state. While Troopers have seen a decrease in fatal and serious injury crashes caused by drunk drivers, there is still a long way to go. Troopers have been in active in schools, throughout industry, and alongside civic organizations sharing the life-saving message of driving safety throughout the state. The ultimate goal is to bring needless deaths and injuries caused by impaired, distracted, and aggressive driving to an end. Troopers will continue to bring this message to the public through continued educational outreach programs and various enforcement initiatives. The motoring public is urged to help State Police fight impaired driving by never allowing an impaired person to drive and reporting impaired or aggressive drivers immediately by calling *LSP (*577) from a cellular phone. Contact Information: TFC Russell G. Graham II | |||
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