Submerged motorist saved from bayou

Published 12:06 am Saturday, July 30, 2016

VACHERIE — Three quick-acting residents helped save the life of a motorist submerged this week in a St. James Parish bayou.

Louisiana State Police spokesperson Jesse LaGrange said Aron Jackson, 30, of Houma was traveling east on Louisiana 20 in his 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday when he ran off the road and crashed into Bayou Chevreuil, becoming submerged.

According to LaGrange, three men who witnessed the crash pulled Jackson to safety.

An off duty police officer, Robert Cannon of the Port Allen Police Department, witnessed the crash and rushed to help Jackson.

Two nearby fisherman, Gabriel Rouge and Kevin Scioneaux, also went to aid Jackson.

Cannon was able to remove Jackson from his vehicle, while Rouge and Scioneaux provided a life jacket and kayak to float Jackson to safety.

Jackson suffered moderate injuries as a result of the crash and was transported to the hospital.

“Louisiana State Police are thankful for the efforts of Officer Cannon, Mr. Rouge and Mr. Scioneaux,” LaGrange said. “Their quick action and willingness to help prevented this crash from becoming a tragedy.”