Louisiana State Police today announced they are investigating a deadly crash that happened as police chased a driver on River Road in St. John the Baptist Parish.
Trooper Kate Stegall says they got the call last night.
"Shortly after 9:30 pm, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B were requested by the... Sheriff’s Office to investigate a single-vehicle crash on LA 44," she said in a news release. "The crash claimed the life of 56-year-old Byron Tuircuit of Reserve."
Stegall says deputies spotted Tuircuit in Garyville and tried to pull him over.
"The initial investigation revealed that deputies with the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office observed Tuircuit driving a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado recklessly in the area of Little Hope Street and LA 44," she explained. "Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop."
The trooper says Tuircuit refused to stop and sped away "in a reckless manner."
She says the driver lost control near E. 20th Street, hit a ditch and flipped the truck several times.
"Tuircuit, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. Impairment on the part of Tuircuit is unknown and routine toxicology results are pending. This crash remains under investigation."
Stegall says Louisiana State Police will investigate all factors of the crash, including the police pursuit.