No seat belts used in wreck injuring two others

By KERI CHAMPION

Staff Reporter

RESERVE- A single-car crash resulted in a fatality for a Reserve man on Wednesday. The vehicle in question was a 1967 Buick driven by Jerome B. James.

&#8220James was traveling south bound on East 24th Street when he lost control of the vehicle and struck a utility pole,” said Troy Cassioppi, commander of the traffic division for St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office.

James was pronounced dead at the scene by the St. John Coroner’s Office the report said.

There were two other passengers in the car at the time of the wreck.

A six-year-old male, was in the car and sustained serious head injuries in the crash. A 19-year-old male was also in the car and suffered minor injuries. Both were treated at River Parishes Hospital in LaPlace.

&#8220It does not appear that the six year-old’s injuries will be life-ending,” Cassioppi said.

&#8220The cause of the crash is still unknown at this time and speed does appear to be a factor in the crash,” said Cassioppi.

The report stated that none of the passengers were wearing their seat belts when the wreck occurred and it is unknown whether driver impairment is a cause in the crash. Results will be known pending toxicology exams.

Sgt. Conrad Baker and Dy. Daryl Turner are continuing their investigation at this time.