Louisiana: State Troopers charged Corey J. Newton with DWI hit and run death of Brittany L. Harris in St. James Parish crash

 

Hit and Run Driver Charged with Vehicular Homicide after Causing Fatal Crash

Gramercy – At approximately 5:45 am on March 8, 2015, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A report that they began investigating a two vehicle hit-and-run fatality crash that occurred at the intersection of LA Hwy 3213 and LA Hwy 3125 in St. James Parish. The crash took the life of 25 year old Brittany L. Harris of Vacherie.

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as 24 year old Corey J. Newton of Gramercy was driving a 2008 Nissan Altima eastbound on LA Hwy 3125 approaching LA Hwy 3213. At the same time, Harris was driving a 2007 Dodge Charger northbound on LA Hwy 3213 approaching LA Hwy 3125. As both vehicles approached the traffic light controlled intersection, Newton entered the intersection on a red light. As a result the Nissan struck the Dodge on the driver’s side, causing the Dodge to leave the roadway and strike a utility pole.

Harris was unrestrained at the time of the crash and suffered fatal injuries as a result. She was pronounced deceased at the scene by the St. James Parish Coroner’s Office. Impairment on her part is not suspected; however, a toxicology sample was taken from her and submitted to the St. James Parish Coroner’s Office for analysis.

After the crash Newton fled the scene on foot into a wooded area. He was located shortly after by the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office. He was transported to the St. James Parish Jail where Troopers later placed him under arrest and booked him for Vehicular homicide, DWI (first offense), Reckless Operation, Hit-and-run driving, and Traffic-control signals. Impairment on his part is suspected, and Newton submitted to a toxicology test. Newton was properly restrained at the time of the crash and was uninjured.

Troopers urge the public to remain vigilant while driving at all times. Never drive a motor vehicle when impaired or fatigued, and always remain buckled up regardless of seating position. Avoid distracting activities, especially the temptations of electronic devices that can substantially divert a driver’s attention away from the road. Always obey all traffic control devices and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

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