| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 8531 | 2009-01-26 | Troop L | Motorcycle Rider Killed in Crash on LA 16 in St. Helena Parish |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP L- NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Date: January 26, 2009 Motorcycle Rider Killed in Crash on LA 16 in St. Helena Parish Louisiana State Police Troop L investigated a fatal crash just before noon today on LA 16 at milepost 38.0 in St. Helena Parish. Today, January 26, 2009 at 11:57 AM, Louisiana State Police Troop L investigated a two-vehicle crash that resulted in the death of an Independence resident. A 2006 Western Star 18-wheeler, driven by Brian K. Tompkins (B/M/age 44) of Sontag, MS, was traveling westbound on LA 16. A 2005 Honda motorcycle, driven by Michael D. Bares (W/M/age 52) of Independence, LA, was traveling eastbound on LA 16. As the two vehicles approached each other, the 18-wheeler crossed onto and over the centerline and struck the motorcycle with its left side. The motorcycle rider was ejected from the motorcycle after impact. The rider and the motorcycle came to rest on the north side of the roadway. The Western Star continued to travel west, before running off the roadway striking a tree. The driver of the Honda motorcycle, Michael D. Bares, of Independence, LA, was pronounced dead at the scene by Dr. J.W. Varnado of the St. Helena Parish Coroner’s Office, due to injuries sustained in the crash. Alcohol/drugs use is not suspected in the crash; blood was obtained and will be submitted for analysis. The rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The driver of the Western Star 18-wheeler, Brian K. Tompkins, of Sontag, MS, was not injured in the crash. Tompkins submitted to a chemical test and it indicated a BAC (blood alcohol content) of .000g%. Brian Tompkins was charged and booked into the St. Helena Jail on the following charges, Improper Lane Usage (R.S.32:79) and Negligent Homicide (R.S.14:32). Contact Information: S/T Louis Calato Public Affairs Unit Louisiana State Police – Troop L Office: (985) 893-6250 Louis.Calato@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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