One Driver Killed, Other Driver Arrested Following Head-On Crash in St. Landry Parish

Opelousas – On December 16, 2023, shortly after 2:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 182 near Richmar Loop in St. Landry Parish. The crash claimed the life of 31-year-old Ledisha A. Roberts of Opelousas.

The preliminary investigation revealed Roberts was driving a 2014 Toyota Camry south on LA 182. At the same time, a 2002 Ford F-250, driven by 41-year-old Joseph L. Richard of Church Point, was traveling north on LA 182. Richard’s F-250 crossed the center line and struck the Camry head-on in the southbound lane of travel.

Despite being restrained, Roberts suffered fatal injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene by the St. Landry Parish Coroner’s Office. Richard was not properly restrained and reported only minor injuries, along with his passenger, who was properly restrained.

A standard toxicology sample was collected from Roberts and was submitted for analysis. Richard submitted a breath sample over the legal limit for intoxication. He was placed under arrest and booked into the St. Landry Parish Jail on the following charges:

LA RS 14:32.1 Vehicular Homicide LA RS 32:71 Driving Left of Center

LA RS 32:865 No Insurance LA RS 32:295.1 Seatbelt Required

LA RS 32:415 Driving Under Suspension

Far too often, Troopers witness the tragic consequences of poor decisions, especially in preventable motor vehicle crashes. Troopers urge motorists to have a plan in place before consuming alcohol as it can impair vision, diminish fine motor skills, and decrease reaction times. Please choose never to drive impaired or ride with an impaired driver. Be the difference, not a statistic.

Troop I has investigated 53 fatal crashes resulting in 58 fatalities in 2023.

Contact Information:

TFC Thomas Gossen

Louisiana State Police
Troop I Public Affairs

Office: (337) 262-5880
thomas.gossen@la.gov