Juvenile Passenger Killed in Crash during Vehicle Pursuit

Published: 05-21-2022 | Category: Troop G

Shreveport – On Friday, May 20, 2022, just after 11:30 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop G was requested by the Bossier City Police Department (BCPD) to assist with a vehicle pursuit on Interstate 20 in Bossier Parish. As Troopers joined BCPD Officers in the pursuit, the suspect vehicle crashed resulting in the death of an unrestrained juvenile passenger.

Troopers, who were working alongside BCPD, learned that the pursuit initiated as BCPD Officers attempted to stop a Chevrolet Tahoe for a traffic violation when the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. As the pursuit entered Caddo Parish, Troopers entered the pursuit and became the primary units. The driver of the Chevrolet Tahoe, later identified as 22-year-old Willie Player of Bossier City, continued to flee from law enforcement along city streets when it impacted a brick access control wall on Montrose Drive near Line Avenue. After impact with the wall, the Tahoe overturned multiple times until striking a utility pole and coming to rest. As the vehicle came to a stop, Player fled from the Tahoe and was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit.

During the crash, an unrestrained 13-year-old juvenile, identified as Brenda Adler, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries. A second unrestrained juvenile passenger in the Tahoe was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Player was not injured in the crash.

Player was booked into the Caddo Correctional Center and charged with Negligent Homicide, Negligent Injuring, Aggravated Flight, Resisting an Officer, Hit and Run Driving, Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance, and Illegally Carrying of Weapons. After obtaining a search warrant, Troopers located a handgun, a high capacity magazine, and various narcotics inside the vehicle.

Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in this crash; however, routine toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis. The crash and circumstances of the incident remain under investigation with further details to be released at the appropriate time.

Contact Information:
Tpr. Jonathan Odom
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (318) 741-7409
[email protected]