Gray – On April 3, 2022, shortly before 3:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop C was notified of a two-vehicle fatality crash on U.S. Highway 90 just west of Louisiana Highway 316. The crash claimed the life of 77-year-old Joseph Sias of New Orleans.
The preliminary investigation revealed Katelynn Scott of Houma was traveling west on the eastbound off-ramp of U.S. Hwy 90 in a 2018 Dodge Charger. At the same time, a 2004 Toyota Highlander driven by Sias was traveling east on U.S. Hwy 90 in the right lane. As Scott entered the eastbound lanes driving the wrong way, she struck the Toyota head-on.
Sias and his front seat passenger were not restrained at the
time of the crash. Sias suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene while his passenger was transported with serious injuries to an out-of-area hospital. Scott was properly restrained at the time of the crash and suffered minor injuries.
During the investigation, Scott displayed signs of impairment and was arrested. She provided a breath sample that showed a blood alcohol level over the legal limit. A toxicology sample was collected from Sias and is awaiting analysis.
Scott was booked into the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex for Vehicular Homicide, 1st Degree Vehicular Negligent Injury, DWI 1st Offense, and Driving on Divided Highways. This crash remains under investigation.
Nearly half of the fatal crashes in Louisiana are caused by impaired drivers. Alcohol and other drugs affect your visual ability, fine motor skills, and reaction times. Drivers should have a plan for a safe ride home before consuming any alcohol and/or drugs. Additionally, taking just 3 seconds to buckle up is your best defense for surviving a traffic crash. Always ensure every occupant is properly restrained. Every trip. Every time.