Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Gonzales – On August 1, 2022, shortly after 5:30 am, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a two-vehicle crash on LA 429 at Roddy Road in Ascension Parish.  The crash ultimately claimed the life of 50-year-old Chad Jones of Gonzales.

The initial investigation revealed that Jones was driving a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro south on Roddy Road.   The Camaro entered the intersection of LA 429 and Roddy Road with a green traffic signal.  At the same time, 25-year-old Jacquel Wade of Sorrento, was driving a 2003 Toyota Camry west on LA 429.  For reasons still under investigation, Wade disregarded a traffic light, and struck the side of the Camaro.  Further investigation revealed that Wade was also the suspect involved in a hit and run crash that occurred nearby.

Jones, who was unrestrained, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.  Wade sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital.  Impairment is not suspected for either driver.  However, a toxicology sample was obtained from both drivers and will be submitted for analysis.  This crash remains under investigation and any pending criminal or traffic violations shall be submitted to the Ascension Parish District Attorney’s Office.

Troopers would like to remind motorists of the importance of safe decisions behind the wheel.  While not all crashes are survivable, proper use of seatbelts can significantly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury.  Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up.