Louisiana: State Police charge Jason DeJean with OWI homicide as toxicology report looms; killed bicyclist Bernard Jones

Belle Chasse Man Arrested for Vehicular Homicide After Killing Bicyclist

Update – The bicyclist was identified as 52 year-old Bernard Jones of Terrytown, LA.

Jefferson Parish – Louisiana State Police reports:, shortly after 8:00 pm on March 22, 2015, Louisiana State Police Troop B investigated a fatal crash on LA 428 at Peter Street. The crash claimed the life of a bicyclist.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2008 Chevrolet Pick-Up, driven by 34 year-old Jason Dejean of Belle Chasse, LA, was traveling north on LA 428 straddling the left and center turn lanes. A bicyclist was traveling south in the center turn lane and was impacted by the Chevrolet. The bicyclist was ejected and died on the scene; the bicyclist’s identity is being withheld pending notification to the family.

The Chevrolet continued north on LA 428 and struck a 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, driven by 23 year-old Vanessa Carbijal-Miranda of Gretna, LA. Miranda and two passengers were transported to Ochsner West Jefferson Hospital with minor to moderate injuries. Impairment is suspected and blood was taken from Dejean.

A toxicological analysis will be performed by the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. Dejean was arrested and booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center on charges of DWI, Vehicular Homicide and three counts of Vehicular Negligent Injuring.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that impaired driving continues to be a major problem throughout Louisiana. Whether impaired through alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two, the consequences of driving while impaired remain the same. Troopers will continue to work vigilantly in an effort to actively enforce Louisiana’s DWI laws.

Impairment Leads to Fatal Crash in St. Charles Parish

St. Charles Parish – This morning, shortly before 7:00 am, Louisiana State Police Troop B investigated a fatal crash in St. Charles Parish on LA 631 at White Lane. The crash claimed the life of 39 year-old Darlene Cortez of Des Allemands, LA.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Cortez was driving a 2006 Hyundai east on LA 631. Robin Gassenberger Jr. (age 37) of Des Allemands, LA, was driving a 2000 Chevrolet Tracker west on LA 631. For reasons still under investigation, the Chevrolet partially left the roadway to the right then re-entered LA 631. The Chevrolet then crossed the center line and partially entered into the east travel lane striking the Hyundai. The impact caused the Hyundai to rotate and leave the roadway entering a ditch. Cortez was pronounced dead on the scene. Gassenberger was transported to the Interim LSU Hospital Level 1 Trauma Center with severe injuries.

Impairment is suspected for Gassenberger and toxicology tests will be performed by the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. Cortez was wearing a seat belt, however Gassenberger was not. The crash remains under investigation and criminal charges are pending.

Whether impaired through alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two, the consequences of driving while impaired remain the same. Making poor decisions in a vehicle leads to serious injuries and deaths every day across the state. Making the responsible decision can mean the difference between life and death.
Motorists that witness hazardous situations are urged to call *LSP (*577) and report that activity to the Louisiana State Police.

Jason DeJean OWI homicide

Jason M DeJean, W/M, 12/18/1980, Operating While Intoxicated 1st Offense, Proper Control of Vehicle, Vehicular Homicide, counts Vehicular Negligent Injury, Driving-License Suspended, No Seat Belt in Use Law, C-16942-15

 

DEJEAN
First Name: JASON
Middle Initial: M
Race: WHITE
Sex: MALE

Arrest Date: 03/21/2015
Charge: OPER WHILE INTOX 1ST OFF
Bond Amount: $1,000.00

Arrest Date: 03/21/2015
Charge: PROPER CONTROL OF VEHL
Bond Amount: $150.00

Arrest Date: 03/21/2015
Charge: VEHICULAR HOMICIDE
Bond Amount: $150,000.00

Arrest Date: 03/21/2015
Charge: VEHICULAR NEG. INJURY
Bond Amount: $2,500.00

Arrest Date: 03/21/2015
Charge: VEHICULAR NEG. INJURY
Bond Amount: $2,500.00

Arrest Date: 03/21/2015
Charge: VEHICULAR NEG. INJURY
Bond Amount: $2,500.00

Arrest Date: 03/21/2015
Charge: DRIVING-LICENSE SUSPD
Bond Amount: $250.00

Arrest Date: 03/21/2015
Charge: NO SEAT BELT IN USE LAW
Bond Amount: $150.00
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