Investigation Leads to Arrest of Driver for Staged Crash on Atchafalaya Basin Bridge

Breaux Bridge – In June of 2025, investigators with the Louisiana State Police Insurance Fraud and Auto Theft Unit (IFAT) - Breaux Bridge Field Office launched an investigation into a suspected staged crash that resulted in the arrest of 46-year-old William Baker of Baton Rouge. 

The investigation began after Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to a crash on Interstate 10 West (Atchafalaya Basin Bridge) near the intersection with Louisiana Highway 3177. The crash occurred on June 24, 2025, shortly before 10:00 a.m., and involved a passenger vehicle driven by Baker and a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) transporting liquid nitrogen gas. Through their investigation, Troopers determined that Baker passed the CMV in the right lane of I-10, then intentionally straddled the center line and abruptly applied his brakes, despite no vehicles being in front of him. This maneuver caused the CMV to strike the rear of Baker's vehicle. Although the 18-wheeler’s driver provided dash camera footage that supported the Troopers’ findings, Baker submitted a false written statement that contradicted the recorded evidence.  

On August 5, 2025, IFAT investigators arrested and processed Baker into the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center for LA R.S. 14:68.1 - Staging of a Motor Vehicle Crash and LA R.S. 14:133 – Filing or Maintaining False Public Records. 

Citizens play a vital role in identifying fraud-related crimes and are encouraged to report any suspicious activity. For more information, visit the Louisiana State Police Insurance Fraud and Auto Theft Unit at lsp.org/ifu. Secure online reporting is also available through the “Suspicious Activity” link at lsp.org. 

Contact Information:
Trooper First Class Peggy Bourque
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop I
Office: (337) 262 - 5880
[email protected]