| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 8476 | 2008-05-01 | Troop L | Louisiana State Police Trooper Injured in Crash |
| Troop L - NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release May 1, 2008 At 12:50 PM, on May 1, 2008, Louisiana State Police Troop L investigated a two vehicle crash that resulted in the injury of a Louisiana State Police Trooper. The crash occurred on Interstate 55 northbound at milepost 14.6 in Tangipahoa Parish. Trooper First Class Joseph Kendall an eight year veteran of the Louisiana State Police had positioned his unit, a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria to block the left lane of Interstate 55 northbound to do a follow up on a fatal crash that happened a week earlier. The unit’s emergency lights were activated and Trooper Kendall was positioned next to the left shoulder guard rail. A 1997 Volvo tractor trailer, driven by Benjamin Gravely (W/M/Age 63) of Bolivar, MO, was traveling north on Interstate 55 in the right lane. Traffic was moving smoothly and all traffic was merging to the right lane. The driver of the Volvo tractor trailer did not observe the traffic slowing in the right lane in front of his vehicle. The driver tried to stop, but lost control of his vehicle and veered onto the left lane. The cargo trailer impacted the Louisiana State Police unit and became airborne and was heading for Trooper Kendall. Trooper Kendall fell to the ground as the trailer passed over his body impacting his legs, chest and head. The tractor trailer rotated onto its left side, impacted the roadway and slid approximately 80 feet before coming to final rest. Trooper First Class Joseph Kendall was transported by Louisiana State Police to North Oaks Medical Center to receive medical treatment for moderate injuries and has been released from the hospital. Trooper Kendall suffered a broken right ankle and a gash to his forehead, which required several stitches. The driver of the 1997 Volvo tractor trailer, Benjamin Gravely of Bolivar, MO, was not injured in the crash. Benjamin Gravely was charged with Careless Operation (R.S. 32:58). Contact Information: Tfc. Louis Calato Public Information Officer Louisiana State Police - Troop L Office: (985)893-6250 Louis.Calato@dps.la.gov WWW.LSP.ORG | |||
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