By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – A 73-year-old Luling man was killed Friday evening when his car was struck by another vehicle along U.S. Highway 90 in St. Charles Parish, according to a release from State Police.

Erick Marks was leaving a private parking lot along U.S. 90 just east of Willowdale Boulevard around 8:25 p.m. Friday when his 2003 Toyota Corolla was struck by a 2005 Volkswagen SUV, driven by Charles Johnson, 66, of New Orleans, traveling in the right lane of U.S. 90, according to State Police spokesperson Melissa Matey.

Matey said Marks was transported to St. Charles Parish Hospital in Luling, where he later died. She said Johnson, who suffered moderate injuries, was taken to West Jefferson Medical Center in Marrero, where he was treated and released.

Investigators said speed is not considered a factor in the crash, but troopers do believe Marks was impaired at the time of the accident. Matey said a blood test and autopsy are still pending. Johnson will not be charged in the crash, said Matey.

“This is another unfortunate reminder of the deadly consequences of impaired driving,” said Matey. “State Police reminds all drivers to use a designated driver when you consume alcohol during a night out.”