Marrero Man Dies in Crash Fleeing Deputies

Laplace – On Thursday, April 24, 2025, around 6:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B were requested by the St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office to investigate a two-vehicle crash on US 51 near Woodland Drive, in St. John the Baptist Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 30-year-old Jacob Faulstich Jr. of Marrero.

The preliminary findings revealed that while investigating an incident, deputies with St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office made contact with Faulstich, who was driving a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro. During the investigation, Faulstich fled the scene at a high rate of speed, leading to a pursuit onto US 51 north. As the pursuit approached Woodland Drive, the Chevrolet attempted to overtake a 2022 Honda Pilot. The right side of the Chevrolet struck the front left of the Honda, causing Faulstich to lose control of the Chevrolet and run off the roadway before impacting a traffic signal pole.

Faulstich, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, suffered serious injuries and died on scene. The driver and passenger of the Honda were both properly restrained and uninjured. A standard toxicology sample was collected from Faulstich and submitted for analysis. The driver of the Honda was not suspected of being impaired and provided a voluntary breath sample, which revealed no alcohol impairment. This crash remains under investigation.

Speed, impairment, and lack of seatbelt use remain the top factors in fatal crashes across Louisiana. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to avoid hazards, stop in time, or react when something unexpected happens on the road. Impairment only makes those risks worse. While not all crashes are survivable, wearing a seatbelt greatly reduces the chances of being killed or seriously injured in a crash. Troopers urge all drivers to make smart choices every time they get behind the wheel—slow down, stay sober, and buckle up.

Contact Information:
Trooper First Class Jacob Pucheu
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (504) 471-2775
[email protected]