Louisiana State Police Make Arrest after Motorcyclist Tragically Killed

Louisiana law enforcement officials say a motorcyclist was killed when a driver failed to yield to the rider who was trying to make a left turn.

According to Louisiana State Police Trooper First Class Matt Gaspard with the Public Affairs Section of State Police, the driver of a Ford Ranger crossed into the path of the motorcycle. An arrest was made in connection with this case.

What Information Was Revealed Based On The Preliminary Investigation?

The crash claimed the life of 26-year-old Joseph Bourque of Iowa. Bourque was wearing a DOT-approved helmet, but the man was severely injured. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the tragic crash by the coroner's office.

Gaspard says the driver of the Ranger, Mickal Allison of Lake Charles, was not injured, but his passenger received serious injuries. The motorcycle impacted the passenger's side of the vehicle.

As is standard in a case like this one, a routine toxicology sample was taken from Charles, which will be analyzed by a lab.

Who Was Arrested And Why?

Gaspard says that according to the preliminary investigation, those at the scene determined that Allison was displaying signs of being impaired. They gave him a breath sample, and they say it was over the legal limit of intoxication.

Allison was arrested on the following charges:

• Vehicular Homicide, which is LA RS 14:32.1
• Vehicular Negligent Injuring, which is LA RS 14:39.1
• Vehicles Turning Left at Intersections, which is LA RS 32:122
• Operating a Vehicle with a Suspended License, which is LA RS 32:415

He was booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center on Monday, March 24.

What is the Louisiana State Police urging Drivers To Do?

• Never drive when you are impaired by any type of substance.
• Do not ride with an impaired driver.
• Designate a driver before you go out.
• When in a vehicle, everyone must be buckled up.
• Make driving your first priority when in a vehicle.
• Never let anything distract you while you are behind the wheel. 

The investigation is ongoing. The crash happened on Louisiana Highway 397 at its intersection with Mary Ann Street at around 8 o'clock Monday evening.

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