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Within the span of two hours, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A investigated two separate fatal crashes in the Troop A area.

Zachary – The first crash occurred shortly after 10:00 p.m. on February 26, 2022, on US Hwy 61 north of LA Hwy 964 in East Baton Rouge Parish. The crash claimed the lives of 27-year-old Cameron Davis and 30-year-old Christopher Bourgeois, both of Baton Rouge.

The initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as Davis and his two passengers were traveling south on US Hwy 61 in a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado. Bourgeois was the front seat passenger. For reasons still under investigation, the Chevrolet ran off the roadway to the right and overturned multiple times.

All three occupants were unrestrained at the time of the crash and were ejected from the vehicle. Davis sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. Bourgeois sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash. He was transported to a local hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The rear seat passenger was also transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. As part of the ongoing investigation, a toxicology sample was obtained from Davis for analysis.

Gonzales – The second crash occurred shortly after 12:00 a.m. on February 27, 2022, on LA Hwy 938(Coontrap Road) south of LA Hwy 74 in Ascension Parish. The crash claimed the life of 56-year-old Willie Owens of Gonzales and resulted in the arrest of 31-year-old Jasper Bougere of Gonzales.

The initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as Bougere was traveling south on LA Hwy 938 in a 1991 Chevrolet Camaro. At the same time, Owens was walking in the northbound lane of LA Hwy 938. For reasons still under investigation, the Chevrolet crossed the centerline into the opposing lane and struck Owens. After striking Owens, the Chevrolet proceeded off of the roadway and struck a utility pole.

Owens sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Impairment is unknown on the part of Owens, but a routine toxicology sample was obtained from him and will be submitted for analysis.

Impairment is suspected to be a factor in the crash on the part of Bourgere. Troopers arrested and booked Bougere into the Ascension Parish Jail for violating  LRS 14:32.1 Vehicular Homicide and  LRS 14:98 DWI (1^st Offense).

Time and time again, Troopers witness preventable motor vehicle crashes. Impairment and lack of seat belt usage are primary causes of crashes across the state of Louisiana. Nearly half of the fatal crashes in Louisiana are caused by impaired drivers. Louisiana State Police urge motorists to have a plan in place that includes a designated driver when consuming alcohol. Alcohol can impair visual ability, alter sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills, and decrease reaction times. Alcohol can begin to impair a person’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle after just one drink. Please choose to not drive impaired or ride with an impaired driver, and always buckle up.