By Stephen Hemelt
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — A Sorrento man is facing multiple charges, including vehicular homicide, following a wreck in St. John Parish Monday morning that resulted in a man’s death.

Louisiana State Police Troop B investigated the fatal crash shortly after 2:30 a.m. Monday on Interstate 10 east near mile post 205, which is west of Louisiana 3188 in St. John the Baptist Parish. The wreck claimed the life of an unidentified male, who was ejected from the vehicle.

Preliminary investigation revealed Jacob Sellars, 24, of Sorrento was driving a 2001 Nissan Maxima on I-10 east approaching mile post 205.

“For unknown reasons, Sellars lost control of the vehicle and struck the left guard rail, traveled across both lanes of travel and struck the right guard rail,” Troop B spokeswoman Melissa Matey said. “The Nissan Maxima then rotated multiple times, finally coming to rest in the left lane. During the rotations of the Nissan Maxima, the unidentified passenger was ejected from the vehicle, and the Nissan Maxima struck a 2012 Nissan Altima driven by Wesley Anderson, 24, of Baton Rouge.”

After the unrestrained passenger was ejected, Matey said, an unknown vehicle struck the passenger.

“Troopers questioned Sellars regarding the identity of his passenger, but Sellars was very uncooperative and refused to give Troopers any information,” Matey said.

Anderson was not injured during the crash and was wearing his seat belt.

“Sellars had minor injuries but refused aid,” Matey said. “Sellars was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Troopers suspect Sellars was impaired at the time of the crash. Blood was taken and will be analyzed by the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. Anderson submitted to a breath test and no detectable alcohol was found in his system.”

Sellars was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide, reckless operation, no seat belt and suspended driver’s license.

Speed is also considered a factor of the crash.

Troopers are working with the coroner’s office to identify the passenger. Anyone in the area who witnessed the crash or has possible information pertaining to the passenger is asked to call Troop B at 504-471-2775.