| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 8101 | 2013-12-08 | Troop L | Alcohol Suspected in Washington Parish Fatal Crash |
TROOP L NEWS RELEASE December 8, 2013 Alcohol Suspected in Washington Parish Fatal Crash Early this morning shortly before 6:00 A.M. a two vehicle crash killed a Franklinton resident and injured two others on La. 25 in Washington Parish. . Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2010 Ford F-150 occupied by Charles Toon (W/M 35) of Foxworth, Ms.(Driver) and Teresa Minarik (W/F 33) of Franklinton (Passenger) was traveling northbound on La. 25. A 2002 Chevrolet Silverado operated by Jonathan Bickham (W/M 32) of Franklinton was traveling southbound on La. 25 near milepost 25. Toon, due to his impairment, veered to the left causing the Ford to cross the center line, enter the southbound lane, and hit the Chevrolet head-on. Bickham was properly restrained; however, he received fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene by the Washington Parish Coroner’s Office. Toon and Minarik were both restrained and transported to St. Tammany Parish Hospital with moderate injuries. Alcohol is suspected on the part of Toon. A blood sample was collected from Toon and the results are pending a toxicological analysis at the LSP Crime Lab. Alcohol is not suspected on the part of Bickham, however general toxicology tests are pending an autopsy. Toon has been initially charged with Driving Left of Center, DWI, and Vehicular Negligent Injuring, and Vehicular Homicide. Toon will be booked into the Washington Parish Jail upon being released from the hospital. The crash remains under investigation. While not all crashes are survivable, proper use of seat belts can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury. Louisiana law requires every occupant in a vehicle to be properly restrained at all times. This is the time of year when Troopers usually see a significant increase in serious injury and fatal crashes. With the holiday season upon us, Louisiana State Police would like to remind motorists to be extra cautious when driving on our roadways. Louisiana State Troopers will be on the roadways throughout this holiday season aggressively enforcing the state’s laws in an effort to keep everyone safe. Motorists must be reminded that alcohol has many effects on the body. Alcohol can impair visual ability, alter sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Just one drink may cause these effects. Contact Information: M/T Greg Marchand Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Section – Troop L Office: (985) 893-6236 Cell: (504) 650-5303 | |||
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