In a tragic turn of events, a multi-parish police chase near New Orleans concluded with the death of a teenager and another sustaining injuries. The pursuit, spanning multiple parishes, unfolded under circumstances yet to be fully disclosed, leaving the community in shock and prompting further investigation into the incident.
Photo from: WWL – TV
Sheriff Defends Pursuit Decision Amid Criticism
In the early hours, a police chase spanning multiple parishes in Louisiana concluded with a devastating crash that claimed the life of a 16-year-old boy from New Orleans and left a 13-year-old girl injured. The pursuit began when an Iberville Parish Deputy noticed an SUV driving recklessly along I-10 near Gross Tete. The deputy, unaware that the vehicle was stolen and occupied by two teenagers, attempted to pull it over. However, the driver refused to stop, leading to a high-speed chase that tragically ended in Pointe Coupee Parish.
Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi defended the decision to chase the SUV, emphasizing that his deputies were unaware of its stolen status and the occupants’ ages. Stassi expressed regret that the situation couldn’t have been resolved peacefully, stating, “I just wish he would have rolled down the window and said look, I shouldn’t be driving.” The sheriff asserted that the driver’s recklessness necessitated intervention to protect public safety. Despite attempts to rescue the trapped driver after the crash, the vehicle caught fire, making rescue efforts unsuccessful.
Investigations revealed that the stolen SUV from New Orleans had been involved in several hit-and-runs before the fatal crash. Sheriff Stassi called for a statewide pursuit policy, criticizing jurisdictions with “no pursuit” policies, suggesting they might hinder law enforcement efforts. He highlighted the need for stiffer penalties for individuals who choose to evade law enforcement. Meanwhile, in New Orleans, where pursuits require prior approval, questions arise about the effectiveness of such policies in ensuring public safety.
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The community laments the loss while state police lead the investigation
Louisiana State Police are investigating the incident. Michael Saavedra-Fernandez was the adolescent who passed away. Sheriff Stassi mourned the terrible loss of a young life but was thankful that no one else was hurt.
In the meantime, the community laments the death of a sixteen-year-old and looks forward to greater transparency in the current probe and pursuit practices.
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