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Suspected Impaired Driver Arrested, Passenger Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash

Published: 10-22-2023 | Category: Troop A

Denham Springs – On October 22, 2023, shortly before 4:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 12 eastbound west of Range Avenue in Livingston Parish.  The crash claimed the life of 24-year-old Micah Williams of Baton Rouge. 

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2018 Toyota Avalon, driven by 25-year Prestin Pleasant of Baton Rouge was headed east on Interstate 12.  For reason still under investigation, the Toyota was stopped in the left lane of the roadway for a period of time.  Shortly thereafter, a 2008 Nissan Versa travelling eastbound in the left lane veered to the left to avoid the Toyota, struck a guardrail and reentered the roadway.  A 2007 Ford Edge also traveling eastbound in the left lane struck the rear end of the Toyota.  After the Nissan reentered the roadway, several other collisions occurred. 

Pleasant was transported to a local hospital and treated for moderate injuries sustained in the crash.  Williams suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  All other drivers involved in the crash were transported to local hospitals and treated for minor injuries. 

During the investigation, Pleasant displayed signs of impairment and was subsequently arrested and booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center on the charges of DWI (1st offense), Vehicular Homicide, Aggravated Obstruction of a Highway, Vehicular Negligent Injuring (2 counts), and Driving Under Suspension.  Seatbelt use is unknown at this time. This crash remains under investigation.

Speeding, impairment and lack of seatbelt use continue to be the leading causes of fatal crashes. Troopers encourage the public to have a plan in place to avoid driving impaired. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a situation. Troopers would like to remind motorists of the importance of safe decisions behind the wheel.

Contact Information:

TPR Christian Reed   

Louisiana State Police – Troop A

Public Affairs Section

Office: (225) 754-8524

Christian.Reed2@la.gov