Head-on collision results in near-fatal accident for New Orleans man

By MOLLY DRYMAN

Staff Reporter

VACHERIE – A 38-year-old New Orleans man was left critically injured after he crossed a centerline in St. James Parish on his motorcycle and hit a vehicle, while traveling to New Orleans.

Louisiana State Police Trooper Rodney Hyatt, public information officer for Troop C, said Bruce Johnson was operating a 2001 Suzuki RCN motorcycle, going east towards New Orleans on LA 3127 near Vacherie when he lost control.

&#8220Due to driver error, he crossed the centerline and hit a westbound vehicle,” said Hyatt. &#8220The westbound vehicle, a 1990 Dodge Dynasty, was driven by Almond Lockett, 53, of Killona.”

According to Hyatt, after the crash, pieces of debris from Johnson’s motorcycle struck the leg of James Ackerson III, 37, of New Orleans, which was operating a 2004 Suzuki motorcycle, also going east towards New Orleans, following Johnson.

&#8220Johnson was critically injured,” Hyatt said. &#8220He was transported to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge. He was wearing a helmet, but it was not a Department of Transportation approved helmet as required by law.”

Lockett was not injured in the crash, and was wearing his seatbelt, according to Hyatt. Hyatt also added that Ackerson received minor injuries as a result of the debris hitting his leg, and refused medical treatment. Ackerson was, however, wearing an approved DOT helmet.

&#8220Alcohol use is suspected on the part of Johnson,” Hyatt said. &#8220He was in no condition to do a breath test, so a blood test was conducted instead with results still pending.”

Lockett was arrested for driving under suspension and DWI. His breath test results were .137g percent; the legal limit is .08 percent.

Ackerson was also drinking, but not legally impaired, after results showed his test at .021g percent, according to Hyatt.

Hyatt said Johnson is still being treated for his injuries, but his condition has improved.