Aggrostats

Based on preliminary evidence, investigating Troopers determined that the crash occurred as Mr. Elwood was driving southbound in the northbound lane of LA 21 in a 2005 Hyundai Elantra. Mr. Elwood’s vehicle crash head-on into a northbound 2005 Chrysler Sebring driven by 17 year-old Jodi L. Vasbinder of Covington, LA. Elwood was not restrained at the time of the crash. He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on-scene by the Washington Parish Coroner’s Office. MS Vasbinder was properly restrained at the time of the crash. She suffered moderate injuries and was airlifted from the scene to North Oaks Medical Center. Vasbinder’s front seat passenger, 19 year-old Nathan Nicolasi, was also properly restrained at the time of the crash. He was transported by ambulance to Our Lady of Angels Hospital in Bogalusa, where he was treated for minor injuries. Impairment is not suspected to have been a factor on the part of Vasbinder. She provided Troopers with a voluntary blood sample. Troopers also obtained blood samples from Elwood. Both samples will be sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, the difference a seat belt makes is undeniable. Troopers implore Louisiana motorists to always buckle-up every trip, every time. Please, speak to your loved ones about the importance of safe decisions behind the wheel. If all motorists would avoid distractions, always wear their seat belts and never drive impaired, our roadways would be much safer.

Contact Information:
TFC Dustin Dwight
Louisiana State Police – Troop L
Public Affairs Section
Office: (985) 893-6250
Dustin.Dwight@la.gov
www.LSP.org