Unrestrained Driver Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash in West Baton Rouge Parish

TROOP A NEWS RELEASE
April 14, 2024

Port Allen – Shortly after 8:00 p.m. on April 13, 2024, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of LA 1 and LA 3237. The crash claimed the life of 34-year-old Jonathan K. Williams of Plaquemine.

The preliminary investigation revealed Williams was driving a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe north on LA 1. As part of an investigation, officers from the Plaquemine Police Department initiated a traffic stop with the Tahoe on LA 1. Williams refused to stop and began driving at a high rate of speed, and in a reckless manner, in an attempt to evade officers. As Williams approached the intersection of LA 3237, a 2022 Dodge Ram was traveling west on LA 3237, making a left turn onto LA 1 north. Williams traveled through the intersection while a red signal light was displayed. The front of the Tahoe impacted the rear side of the Ram. After the initial impact, the Tahoe rotated, exited the roadway and overturned.

Williams, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The passenger of the Tahoe, who was also unrestrained, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The driver and passenger of the Ram were both properly restrained. The driver was uninjured and the passenger sustained moderate injuries in the crash. Impairment is unknown at this time, however, standard toxicology samples will be taken and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance of being severely 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.

Contact Information:
Trooper Shelby Mayfield
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop A
Phone: (225) 921-1384
shelby.mayfield@la.gov