| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 8105 | 2017-08-16 | Troop L | 18-Wheeler Driver Arrested After Fatal Crash on LA 440 |
TROOP L NEWS RELEASE August 16, 2017 18-Wheeler Driver Arrested After Fatal Crash on LA 440 Mt. Hermon- At approximately 2:25 PM on Wednesday August 16, 2017, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a three vehicle fatal crash on LA 440 near the intersection of Vernon School Rd. The crash has claimed the life of 47-year-old Sandra Williams of Franklinton. Based on the preliminary on-scene investigation, Troopers determined that the crash occurred as 50-year-old Owen McPherson of Harvey was driving a 1995 Peterbilt tractor-trailer eastbound on LA 440. McPherson missed his turn, subsequently stopped in the roadway, and began backing onto Vernon School Rd. As McPherson backed, the cab-tractor portion of his truck was positioned in the westbound lane of LA 440 between a hillcrest and a sweeping curve. As the Peterbilt truck was obstructing the westbound lane, a separate 2005 Peterbilt tractor-trailer, driven by 43-year-old Billy Mingo of Bogalusa was traveling westbound on LA 440 through the sweeping curve. Mingo observed McPherson’s tractor-trailer blocking his lane and sharply applied the brakes. Mingo’s braking caused his tractor-trailer to rotate clockwise and block the east and westbound lanes of LA 440. Sandra Williams was driving a 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe eastbound on LA 440. The front of her Tahoe crashed into the rear axles of Mingo’s trailer. Despite being properly restrained, Williams sustained fatal injuries in the crash. She was pronounced deceased on scene by the Washington Parish Coroner’s Office. Presently, impairment is not considered as a contributing factor in this crash. As part of the ongoing investigation, blood samples were collected from Williams. The samples will be sent to the crime lab for analysis. Mingo and McPherson both provided Troopers with voluntary breath samples. The samples showed no amount of alcohol present. Owen McPherson, the driver of the tractor-trailer, was arrested and booked into the Washington Parish Jail for Improper Backing, Aggravated Obstruction of a Roadway, and Negligent Homicide. The investigation is ongoing and any additional charges will be referred to the Washington Parish District Attorney’s Office. Troopers would like to reiterate the importance of safe, sound decisions behind the wheel. All drivers should weigh the consequences of their decisions versus a safer alternative. Please take a moment to speak to your loved ones about the importance of safe decisions behind the wheel. Remind them to never drive impaired, always wear their seatbelts, and avoid distractions. The conversation you have today could be the difference tomorrow.
Contact Information: S/T Dustin Dwight | |||
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