| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 8707 | 2010-06-27 | Troop L | Franklinton Resident charged in Double Fatality Crash |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP L NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release June 27th, 2010 Franklinton Resident charged in Double Fatality Crash Washington Parish – This morning at 04:50 am, Louisiana State Police Troop L investigated a one vehicle fatality crash on LA 424 north of Pine at milepost #1.6 in Washington Parish. The crash occurred as Jason Melerine, (W/M age 19) of Franklinton, LA, was traveling south on LA 424 in a 1997 Chevrolet pickup truck. While traveling southbound, Melerine failed to maneuver a right curve in the roadway causing the pickup truck to cross the centerline. As the Chevrolet truck began to enter the northbound lane, Melerine steered sharply to the right causing the truck to rotate clockwise and run off road to the right. Upon leaving the paved roadway, the Chevrolet continued to rotate and struck several trees before coming to rest. Two passengers in the Chevrolet pickup truck, Jason Crain, (W/M age 23) of Franklinton, LA, and Beth Bria, (W/F age 18) of Angie, LA, were not wearing seatbelts and died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. Both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene by the Washington Parish Coroner’s Office. Both alcohol and excessive speed are suspected to be factors in the crash. Melerine was not injured and submitted to a breath alcohol test registering over the legal limit. He was charged with No Seatbelt, Careless Operation, 1st Offense DWI, and 2 counts of Vehicular Homicide. Contact Information: TFC Nick Manale Public Affairs Unit Troop L Louisiana State Police Office: (985) 893-6250 Nicholas.Manale@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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