LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / August 24, 1999

HAHNVILLE – Deputy Arthur J. Thigpen Jr. has been upgraded to guardedcondition at West Jefferson Medical Center after a traffic accident in Luling Saturday morning.

Thigpen, 32, a veteran of nearly seven years with the department, was responding to a burglary in progress call at 7:30 a.m.While westbound of U.S. Highway 90 he struck the side of a dump truckwhich suddenly pulled out into his path.

According to Trooper W.S. Pike Jr. of Louisiana State Police Troop B, a1985 Volvo dump truck, driven by Randal K. Lambert, 42, of Opelousas, wassouthbound on Oak Lane, approaching the red light.

Lambert stopped for the traffic signal, Pike’s report continued, then as it turned green he pulled out in Thigpen’s path. Thigpen could not stop in timeand slammed into the dump truck’s side.

According to Lt. Dwayne LaGrange of the St. Charles Sheriff’s Office andTroop B spokesman Kevin Cannatella, Thigpen sustained a skull fracture, punctured right lung, collapsed left lung, 11 broken ribs, broken right arm and other injuries.

He was airlifted to West Jefferson Medical Center where he was initially listed in critical condition, although his condition has since improved.

“It’s tough to see a brother officer like that,” LaGrange commented.

Charges on Lambert have not been filed as of press time.

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