| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 790 | 2009-10-10 | Troop A | **UPDATE**Deadly Crash and Vehicle Fire on Interstate 10, BAC Results Returned, Leggett Arrested and Booked |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP A - NEWS RELEASE October 10, 2009 UPDATE: Louisiana State Police Troop A received toxicology test results on Leggett’s blood from the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab yesterday. Leggett’s blood alcohol content was measured at 0.18 grams percent. Jacqueline Gomez (H/F, age 35), Sonia Gomez-Brionca (H/F, age 27), Alondra Brionca (H/F, age 2), Maria Barrios (H/F, age 54), and Rito Gomez (H/M, age 22) all died as a result of the crash. Troopers submitted a warrant for Leggett’s arrest to the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge. After the warrant was signed, Troopers arrested Leggett and booked him into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on amended charges of Vehicular Homicide (5 counts) and DWI (2nd Offense). Troopers have worked twelve fatal crashes that have killed 19 people in the past six weeks in the Troop A area alone. The common causes of these crashes have been impairment, speed, lack of seat belt use, and driver distractions caused by cell phone use. Many times, combinations of these factors lead to these deadly crashes. As we approach the end of the year, it is imperative that Troopers and the public work together to put an end to these tragedies. Deadly Crash and Vehicle Fire on Interstate 10 BATON ROUGE – A two-vehicle crash on I-10 westbound, west of Siegen Lane, claimed the life of a small child and put four adults in intensive care after the truck they were riding in was rear-ended and caught fire just before 2:00 a.m. this morning. Dwayne L. Leggett (B/M, age 30) of Baton Rouge, was driving a 2005 Ford pickup west on I-10 in the right lane west of Siegen Lane. Traffic ahead had come to a stop due to road construction, and Leggett failed to stop before striking the rear of a 1994 Ford Pickup. Upon impact, the 1994 Ford immediately burst into flames and was pushed onto the right shoulder. The 2005 Ford veered to the left, struck the center retaining wall, and came to rest in the left lane. Troopers and first responders were on scene very shortly after the crash occurred, but were unable to save the small child. There were four adult passengers also riding in the 1994 Ford. All four passengers were assisted out of the vehicle, but suffered severe burn injuries. Baton Rouge EMS transported the four adults to Baton Rouge General Hospital (Mid-City), where they all remain in critical condition. Leggett sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. Troopers suspect that alcohol and cell phone distraction may have been contributing factors to this crash. Troopers have submitted a sample of Leggett’s blood to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for chemical analysis. Troopers have charged Leggett with Careless Operation, Negligent Homicide, and four counts of Negligent Injuring. Further charges may arise, pending results of the chemical test. Troopers worked through the morning to clear the roadway as they diverted traffic off I-10 westbound at Siegen Lane and back onto I-10 at Bluebonnet. Shortly before 4:00 a.m., all lanes were re-opened. Contact Information: Tpr Russell G. Graham II Public Affairs Unit Louisiana State Police – Troop A Office: (225) 754-8524 russell.graham@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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