Several people were injured in a recent two-vehicle accident. According to Louisiana police, the wreck was caused by a driver who they believe was under the influence of alcohol at the time. He has since been charged for drunk driving in addition to several other offenses. Although it is only his first DWI offense, even a first-time charge can have serious consequences for people in Lake Charles.
The crash occurred on US Hwy 167 at approximately 10:30 p.m. Authorities believe that the allegedly intoxicated driver was driving southbound in his truck just before the collision. For reasons that are not clear, the driver of the pickup truck struck a Jeep from behind.
After being rear-ended, the 39-year-old driver of the Jeep was forced off of the road. His Jeep was pushed down into a ditch, where it hit an embankment before finally coming to a stop. He had three minors in his vehicle at the time of the wreck, and all four had to be transported to an area hospital. It appears as if they were all admitted for treatment, and their treatment needs ranged from moderate to critical. While still at the crash site, police asked that the pickup driver submit to a breath test, which apparently showed that his blood-alcohol content was above the legal limit at .115.
The driver was arrested and booked on charges for a first offense DWI, five counts of negligent vehicular injury, reckless operation and not wearing a seat belt. It is possible that new charges will be filed as police continue their investigation. However, an ongoing investigation does not mean that Lake Charles defendants should not work on their criminal defense planning. Preparing to handle drunk driving charges in as timely a manner as possible is not only a good idea, but it can also better prepare defendants to handle any additional charges that might be filed.
