Louisiana State Police News V1
LSP Article Full View
Source: http://lsp.org/news_detail.html?id=8034
| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 8034 | 2013-01-17 | Troop L | Heroic Actions Save Bogalusa Mother and Children from Submerged Vehicle |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP L NEWS RELEASE January 17, 2013 Heroic Actions Save Bogalusa Mother and Children from Submerged Vehicle St. Tammany Parish- A Bogalusa mother and her three children are safe and without injury following the heroic actions of several passing motorists following a non-contact hit and run crash on the evening of Saturday, January 12, 2013. The crash occurred shortly before 7:30 pm as a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix, driven by Mary Woodward (37 of Covington, LA), was traveling south on LA 21 in the right lane of travel. Woodward’s children, ages eleven, nine, and seven, were seated in the two rear seats and front passenger seat of the vehicle. As the Pontiac continued southbound, an unknown black sedan approached at a high rate of speed from behind. Upon approaching slower moving traffic, the black sedan attempted pass several vehicles and subsequently forced the Pontiac to run off road to the right as it recklessly swerved into Woodward’s lane. As the Pontiac left the paved roadway, it drove onto the flooded river embankment at the base of the Bogue Chitto River Bridge on LA 21. Immediately after entering the floodwater, the Pontiac became partially submerged trapping all four occupants in the vehicle. Passing motorists, James Garner and his fiancée, Sue Ann Barkman both of Bush, LA, witnessed the crash events and instinctively ran into the floodwaters to render assistance. Despite the dangerously rising water level, Garner and Barkman successfully rescued Woodward and all three children from the submerged vehicle. Assisting in the rescue were also several other unidentified Good Samaritans. Earlier this afternoon, divers from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office were able to attach cables to the Pontiac allowing it to be successfully removed from the flooded riverbank. Troopers are actively searching for the unknown black sedan and urge anyone with information to contact Troop L at 985-893-6250. Contact Information: TFC Nick Manale Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Unit Office: (985) 893-6250 Ext:628 Nicholas.Manale@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice | |||
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