Cypress, LA (2/22/2023) – An Oklahoma couple traveling home suffered only minor injuries while wearing their seat belts during a hit & run crash this morning on Interstate-49 near milepost #125 south of Cypress, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO).
At approximately 9:17 am, NPSP, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS, and Natchitoches Parish Fire Districts #1 and #5 responded to a call for a hit & run crash involving an overturned pickup truck and RV trailer with possible injuries on I-49 south of Cypress.
The vehicle’s occupants and witnesses were able to provide a description of the suspect vehicle that failed to stop at the scene and continued traveling northbound on I-49.
Deputies responded to the scene while other deputies set up on I-49 near Natchitoches.
La. DOTD workers that were working near the area also responded to assist the couple. A short while later, deputies stopped the suspect vehicle on the I-49 Natchitoches Exit Ramp.
The suspect was taken into custody, transported, and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center, charged with Hit & Run, Driving Under Suspension, Possession of Schedule I Narcotics, Possession of CDS Schedule IV Narcotics, and Probation Violation.
The suspected narcotics were discovered during an inventory of the vehicle.
Deputies say while interviewing the Oklahoma couple; they stated they were traveling northbound on I-49 near milepost #125 in the right lane when another northbound vehicle traveling in the left lane drifted and crossed over the center-line into their lane, striking their vehicle, causing them to leave the road on the right side overturning multiple times down an embankment coming to a rest near a tree line.
Both occupants were treated at the scene by EMS and released without transport.
If traveling through the area, drive carefully, pay attention to the road, and avoid distractions.
Deputies remind motorists to always wear their seat belts. Seat belt usage, as in this case, can reduce the chance of injury or death.
