Published: 10-23-2025 | Category: Troop I
Vermilion Parish – On October 22, 2025, shortly after 9:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a single-vehicle fatality crash on Louisiana Highway 14 near Fore Road. The crash claimed the life of 49-year-old Johnathan Taylor of Abbeville.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2007 Honda Accord, driven by Taylor, was fleeing from the Kaplan Police Department following an attempted traffic stop. For reasons still under investigation, the Honda was traveling east on LA Hwy 14 when it failed to negotiate a right curve, left the roadway, struck multiple trees, and overturned.
Taylor, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene.
A standard toxicology sample was collected from Taylor and submitted for analysis. Louisiana State Police is investigating the crash, which remains ongoing.
Speed 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. 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 by slowing down and buckling up.
Contact Information:
Trooper Roy Jones
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop D
Office: (337) 491-2511
[email protected]