Lake Charles, LA –
Earlier this morning at approximately 3:00 a.m. a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy was travelling on Broad Street in Lake Charles when he observed a car traveling on the roadway with no lights.
When the deputy initiated his lights and siren and attempted to conduct a traffic stop the driver of the car fled at a high rate of speed, running the red light at the intersection of Broad Street and Highway 14. The deputy stopped at the intersection until it was safe to proceed. Once the deputy continued, he observed the car less than half a mile down Broad Street, crashed near the intersection of 6th Avenue.
The driver, a 17 year old male, was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger, a 15 year old male, was transported to a local hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.
Deputies located possible burglary tools inside the vehicle as well as possible stolen items. The investigation is ongoing. CPSO VCIU Detective James Rathke is the lead investigator on this case.
The Lake Charles Police Department will be handling the crash according to Louisiana RS 32:398; which states if an accident occurs within an incorporated city the local police department shall handle that wreck.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.