DeSoto Parish Fire Chief Arrested for DWI Following Crash

TROOP G NEWS RELEASE
September 21, 2024

Keachi – Earlier today, at approximately 12:15 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a single-vehicle crash, at the intersection of Louisiana Highway 5 and Louisiana Highway 172, involving a DeSoto Parish Fire District vehicle. The crash resulted in the arrest of 39-year-old Mark Magee.

The investigation revealed that a 2022 Ford F-250, driven by Magee, was traveling south on Louisiana Highway 5. For reasons still under investigation, Magee lost control and ran off the left side of the roadway, before colliding with a fire hydrant. The Ford is assigned to Fire District 1, unmarked and equipped with emergency lights.

Upon contact with Magee, Troopers detected signs of impairment. During the investigation, a blood sample was collected and submitted for analysis. Magee was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI 1st offense) and careless operation. This investigation remains ongoing.

Troopers witness preventable motor vehicle crashes. Impairment is often a primary cause of crashes across the state. Louisiana State Police urge motorists to have a plan that includes a designated driver when consuming alcohol. Alcohol can impair visual ability, alter the sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills, and decrease reaction times. Alcohol can begin to impair a person's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle after just one drink. Please choose not to drive impaired or ride with an impaired driver.

Contact Information:
Trooper Eddie Thomas
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section-Troop G
Office: (318) 741-7411
[email protected]