Unrestrained Driver Killed in Head-On Crash in Calcasieu Parish

TROOP D NEWS RELEASE

December 6, 2023

Lake Charles – On December 5, 2023, shortly after 7:30 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of US Hwy 90 and Scheufens Road in Calcasieu Parish. The crash claimed the life of 56-year-old Larry Lee Carter Jr. of Iowa, Louisiana.

The preliminary investigation revealed a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta, driven by 40-year-old Juan Carlos Maciel of Austin, Texas, was traveling east on US 90. At the same time, a 1999 GMC pickup truck driven by Carter, was traveling west on US 90. As both vehicles approached the intersection of US 90 and Scheufens Road, Maciel failed to yield the right-of-way to the westbound GMC and attempted to make a left turn onto Scheufens Road. The Jetta struck the GMC head-on in the westbound lane of travel. The impact caused Carter to be ejected from the GMC.

Carter, who was not restrained, sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. Maciel was properly restrained and sustained minor injuries. He was transported to a Lake Charles area hospital. The front seat passenger in the GMC was properly restrained and sustained minor injuries.

Toxicology samples were obtained from Maciel and Carter and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Troopers would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists to always make good decisions while operating motor vehicles. We ask you to take three seconds to “buckle up!” Louisiana law requires vehicle occupants to be properly restrained in all seating positions, day and night. Not wearing a seat belt remains the leading cause of preventable death in motor vehicle crashes.

Troop D has investigated 33 fatal crashes resulting in 36 deaths in 2023.

Contact Information:

TFC Derek Senegal

Louisiana State Police

Public Affairs Section

Office: (337) 491-2513

derek.senegal@la.gov