3-Year-Old Injured in Two-Vehicle Crash; Both Drivers Arrested for DWI

TROOP A NEWS RELEASE
July 15, 2024

West Feliciana Parish – At 10:30 p.m. on July 14, 2024, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A responded to a two-vehicle crash on US 61, just north of LA 10 in West Feliciana Parish. The crash resulted in the arrest of 23-year-old Zaria Brown and 29-year-old Walter Lopez, both of Baton Rouge.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2009 Toyota Rav4, operated by Lopez, was traveling south on US 61, just north of LA 10. At the same time, a 2024 Nissan Kicks, operated by Brown, was traveling north on US 61. For reasons still under investigation, the Toyota crossed over the median and into the northbound lanes of US 61, causing the Nissan to impact the Toyota.

Lopez sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash and was transported to a nearby hospital. During the investigation, Lopez displayed signs of impairment and was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and Vehicular Negligent Injuring. Lopez was booked into the West Feliciana Parish Jail.

Brown, who was not restrained at the time of the crash, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital. A 3-year-old passenger in her vehicle, who was restrained, was also injured as a result of the crash. Brown displayed signs of impairment and was charged with Driving While Intoxicated with Child Endangerment and Vehicular Negligent Injuring. She will be booked into the West Feliciana Parish Jail.

Troopers wish to remind motorists to always make good decisions while in a motor vehicle. Never drive impaired, fatigued, or distracted; follow all traffic laws, and always ensure every occupant is properly restrained. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.

Contact Information:
Trooper Shelby Mayfield
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop A
Phone: (225) 921-1384
[email protected]