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NOPD Investigating a Fatal Vehicle Crash in Sixth District

by Aaron E. Looney

March 20, 2019

Categories: On Duty

Topics: Sixth District, Traffic Fatality/Hit and Run

NOPD Investigating a Fatal Vehicle Crash in Sixth District

The NOPD is investigating a fatal vehicle crash that occurred on March 20, 2019) at the intersection of Washington Avenue and South White Street that claimed the life of two people.

 

At about 8:30 p.m., NOPD Sixth District Task Force officers reported seeing a vehicle traveling south at the intersection of Toledano and South Derbigny streets that matched the description of a vehicle reported stolen in a vehicle theft incident. The vehicle then reportedly made a u-turn at the intersection of South Derbigny Street and South Claiborne Avenue and traveled north. At that time, the officers are believed to have activated their police unit lights and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle. The vehicle then reportedly fled on Toledano Street at a high rate of speed, at which time the officers were believed to have deactivated their lights and to not have pursued the vehicle.

 

A short time later, the officers reported seeing smoke in the distance on Washington Avenue. Upon arriving at the intersection of Washington Avenue and South White Street, the officers observed a vehicle having crashed into a beauty salon, with the car and building both on fire. New Orleans Fire Department crews were notified and responded to the scene.

 

NOPD confirmed that two individuals who were believed to have been inside of the vehicle were declared as deceased.

 

NOPD officers at the scene were able to assist three victims to escape from the structure – an adult female and two juveniles. The three victims were transported via New Orleans EMS to an area hospital and were listed in stable condition.

 

In addition, two responding NOPD officers were transported to an area hospital via New Orleans EMS with smoke inhalation injuries and were treated and released. An NOFD firefighter was also treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and was released.

 

The NOPD Public Integrity Bureau’s Force Investigation Team will assist with this active investigation.

 

No further details are available at this time. The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office will release the identities of the decedents upon completion of autopsy and notification of family.

 

Any questions regarding the fire involved with this incident should be addressed to the New Orleans Fire Department.

 

Anyone with additional information on this incident is asked to contact NOPD Traffic Fatality Unit detectives at 504-658-6205 or call Crimestoppers anonymously at 504-822-1111 and toll-free at 1-877-903-7867.