By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – An Illinois man suffered fatal injuries on Interstate 10 in St. John the Baptist Parish Friday night when his SUV was struck in the back by a speeding car.

Joel R. Redenius, 39, of Rockford, Ill., was pronounced dead at the scene following the 10:10 p.m. crash in which Redenius’ 1998 Ford Explorer rolled over several times before falling off the elevated portion of the interstate near mile marker 211, said Louisiana State Police Trooper Melissa Matey, a spokesperson for Troop B.

According to a release from the department, Redenius was traveling east on I-10 in the left lane at the posted speed limit when his vehicle was struck by a 2001 Ford Crown Victoria driven by Aeham Hamad, 22, of Gretna. Authorities said Hamad was traveling eastbound in the right lane well above the posted speed limit when he switched lanes and ran into Redenius’ vehicle.

Police say Hamad rear-ended Redenius’ vehicle, causing him to lose control and flip over before falling off the elevated roadway into a wooded area, Matey said. Hamad was taken to Ochsner Hospital in Kenner for treatment of moderate injuries. He was released over the weekend.

Matey said speed is considered a factor in the crash, but investigators have not determined if Hamad was impaired at the time of the accident. She said blood was taken from Hamad and results of a toxicology test at the State Police crime lab in Baton Rouge are pending. Charges are pending.