Patterson Man Facing 3rd DWI And Vehicular Homicide Charges

Louisiana State Police says they have arrested a St. Mary Parish man on his 3rd offense DWI and vehicular homicide charges after a traffic crash around 3:30 this morning.

Spokesman Trooper Stephen Hammons says that 32-year-old Auturo Garcia of Patterson, who is not a licensed driver, was driving down Highway 182 when he crossed the center line of the roadway, went into a ditch, and his Chevy Blazer overturned.

Hammons say neither Auturo Garcia, or his passenger Misael Garcia, were not wearing seat belts. Both men were thrown out of the car and 24-year-old Misael Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene.  Autoro Garcia is being treated for critical injuries he sustained in the crash.

Troopers determined that Autoro Garcia was impaired, and toxicology samples were sent to the State Police Crime Lab.

Once Autoro Garcia is released from the hospital, he will charged with the following:

• DWI 3rd offense
• Vehicular homicide
• Careless operation
• No seat belt
• No driver's license

Hammons says the crash remains under investigation.