Lake Charles, LA (7/25/2023) – The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) reported a juvenile died after fleeing from a deputy during an early morning traffic stop.
Earlier this morning at approximately 3:00 am, a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy was traveling on Broad Street in Lake Charles when he observed a car traveling on the roadway with no lights.
When the deputy initiated his lights and siren and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the car’s driver fled at high speed, running the red light at the intersection of Broad Street and Highway 14. The deputy stopped at the intersection until it was safe to proceed. Once the deputy continued, he observed the car, less than half a mile down Broad Street, crashed near the intersection of 6th Avenue.
The driver, a 17-year-old male, was pronounced dead at the scene. The 15-year-old male passenger was transported to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Deputies located possible burglary tools inside the vehicle and possible stolen items. The investigation is ongoing. CPSO VCIU Detective James Rathke is the lead investigator on this case.
The Lake Charles Police Department will be handling the crash according to Louisiana RS 32:398, which states if an accident occurs within an incorporated city, the local police department shall handle that wreck.
An arrest indicates probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the alleged offense. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
