| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 8249 | 2017-10-01 | Troop L | Mississippi Woman Arrested in Fatal Hit and Run Crash |
TROOP L NEWS RELEASE October 01, 2017 Mississippi Woman Arrested in Fatal Hit and Run Crash Tangipahoa Parish- At approximately 1:57 AM on Sunday October 1, 2017, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a two-vehicle hit and run fatal crash on Interstate 12 westbound near the Tangipahoa/St. Tammany Parish line. The crash claimed the life of 59-year-old Albert J. Watson of Denham Springs. Based on the initial on-scene investigation, Troopers determined that the crash occurred as Watson was driving a 2012 Chevrolet Impala westbound on Interstate 12 in the right lane. Watson’s vehicle was hit from behind by a 1998 Toyota Avalon driven by 52-year-old Deana Marie Collier of Sandersville, MS. The impact caused Watson’s vehicle to exit the right side of the roadway. After the roadway departure, Watson’s vehicle struck a tree and overturned. Watson was unrestrained at the time of the crash. He sustained severe injuries in the crash and was transported to North Oaks Health Systems by Acadian Ambulance in critical Condition. Watson succumbed to his injuries shortly after his arrival. After the impact with Watson’s Impala, Collier drove approximately a quarter mile beyond the crash scene, turned off her lights, and called her son. She made no other calls or attempts to render aid to Watson. Collier was speaking to her son when Troopers first discovered her. Collier performed poorly on a standardized field sobriety test. She was transported to North Oaks Health Systems by Acadian Ambulance, where she was treated for minor injuries. After her release, Collier was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail for Vehicular Homicide and Felony Hit-and-Run. As part of the on-going investigation, blood samples were taken from both drivers. The samples will be sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. | |||
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