LaPlace resident John Esper avoided serious injury on Thursday afternoon on West 5th St., as he was struck in the road by a truck, due to riding in his wheelchair. St. John Sgt. Elton Foret reported Esper was in the lane of traffic, which created the accident when 57-year-old Junius Dantin of Reserve turned the corner onto West 5th. Esper was transported to River Parishes Hospital, but had a few broken bones and is esxpected to recover. “I hate to ever hit anyone on the road,” said Dantin. “Especially someone in a wheelchair.” Dantin is disabled himself. (Staff photos by Kevin Chiri.