| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 8673 | 2012-04-11 | Troop L | Infant Passenger killed in Washington Parish Crash |
| TROOP L NEWS RELEASE April 11th, 2012 Infant Passenger killed in Washington Parish Crash As Troopers and local first responders collaborated to conduct a mock fatality/driver impairment crash for Covington students this morning, the importance of their proactive efforts hit home following a tragic fatal crash the night before in Washington Parish. At approximately 11:20 pm last night, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a one vehicle fatal crash on LA 16 approximately 3 miles east of LA 437 and the small town of Enon in Washington Parish. The crash took the life of a 5 month old infant passenger and resulted in the arrest of the suspected impaired driver, mother of the deceased child. Troopers’ investigation revealed that the crash occurred as a 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage, driven by 19 year old Brittany Hartfield of Franklinton, LA, was traveling west on LA 16. As the Mitsubishi continued westbound, Hartfield failed to maintain control of the vehicle causing it to drift off the right side of the roadway and continue off road for nearly 200 feet before striking a bridge guardrail with its right front end. After impact, the Mitsubishi overturned and came to rest upside down in a shallow creek bed. Hartfield, her 2 year old daughter, and 5 month old infant son, Hunter Hartfield, were properly restrained at the time of the crash. Hartfield was able to exit the vehicle with her 2 year old daughter prior to the arrival of emergency units. The 5 month old infant passenger remained trapped in the partially submerged vehicle until extricated by rescue personnel. All three occupants were then transported to Riverside Medical Center where Hartfield and her daughter were treated for moderate injuries. Hunter Hartfield was later pronounced dead at the hospital due to injuries sustained in the crash. Brittany Hartfield was later transferred to St. Tammany Parish Hospital for further medical treatment. Investigating Troopers suspect Hartfield to have been impaired at the time of the crash and obtained a blood sample to be submitted for analysis at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. Upon release from the hospital, Hartfield will be booked into the Washington Parish Jail on charges of DWI with Child Endangerment and Careless Operation. As the investigation continues, additional charges are expected to be filed. Troopers and area first responders work together on a daily basis to reduce the number of underage DWI’s and serious injury and fatal crashes while promoting the importance of sound decision making and behavior. The importance of proactive educational campaigns such as the Sudden Impact Program and Mock Crashes are unfortunately highlighted following tragic events where innocent victims lose their lives in completely preventable crashes. The consequences of drinking and driving can be costly no matter how many drinks you have consumed. Driving while impaired and lack of seat belt use continues to be contributing factors in a large majority of fatal crashes across the nation. By taking precautionary steps including never driving while distracted or impaired and always wearing a seatbelt, motorists can substantially reduce their risk of being involved and/or injured in a crash. Contact Information: TFC Nick Manale Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Unit Office: (985) 893-6250 Ext:628 Nicholas.Manale@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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