Port Allen – Shortly before 3:00 a.m. on June 29, 2024, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A responded to a two-vehicle crash on LA 415 near Commercial Drive in West Baton Rouge Parish. The crash claimed the life of 20-year-old Jada Bergeron of Mamou.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2015 Kia Rio, driven by 37-year-old Carlos Thomas, was traveling northbound on LA 415 near Commercial Drive. At the same time, a 2012 Nissan Altima was traveling southbound on LA 415. For reasons still under investigation, the Kia turned left towards a private driveway, in front of the Nissan. As a result, the front of the Nissan impacted the side of the Kia.
Bergeron, who was the front passenger in the Altima, was unrestrained at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Altima was restrained and sustained minor injuries. Thomas and the front passenger of the Kia were both properly restrained at the time of the crash. The passenger sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Thomas was placed under arrest and booked into the West Baton Rouge jail for Improper Lane Usage, Negligent Homicide, and Vehicular Negligent Injuring. Impairment is unknown at this time, however, standard toxicology samples will be taken and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Over and over again, Troopers see the tragic consequences of preventable motor vehicle crashes. While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance of being injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries in crashes.
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