4th DWI Causes Fatality In Acadia Parish

An Acadia Parish man is in jail for 4th offense DWI and vehicular homicide following a crash on LA Highway 35 north of Rayne last night.

According to State Police 48 year old Jody Bourque of Branch was driving south on LA 35 when he crossed the center line and struck a car driven by 35 year old Germaine Garrick of Church Point.  Garrick was not wearing a seat belt and died as a result of the crash.  Two passengers in her vehicle, 53 year old Mary Ann Garrick and 39 year old Rita Garrick, both of Church Point were transported to local hospitals.  Mary Ann Garrick was not restrained and sustained severe injuries.  Rita Garrick was restrained and sustained minor injuries.

Bourque was restrained and was treated for minor injuries at the scene of the accident.  Troopers determined that Bourque was impaired and arrested him.  They also discovered the ignition interlock on his truck had been disabled.

Bourque was booked with fourth offense DWI, vehicular homicide, two counts of vehicular injuring, disabling an ignition interlock, driving left of center and reckless operation.

The case remains under investigation.