JEFF DAVIS PARISH, La. (KLFY) – A head-on collision Saturday afternoon led to the arrest of a Jennings man for his third OWI, State Police said.
Shortly before 3:30 p.m. that day, Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a three-vehicle crash on LA Highway 102 north of Jennings.
The initial investigation revealed 39-year-old Brandon Griffith, of Jennings, was driving a 2001 Ford F-150 pickup truck north on LA Hwy 102 when he crossed the center line and collided with a southbound 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe head-on.
After impact, the Chevrolet Tahoe ran off the roadway and overturned onto its roof. A third vehicle, a 2017 Buick Encore following behind the Chevrolet Tahoe, was struck by debris from the initial crash.
Griffith received minor injuries, troopers said. The occupants of the Chevrolet Tahoe sustained minor injuries except for one who was flown to a hospital in Lafayette with serious injuries.
The driver and passengers in the Buick Encore were not injured.
Alcohol and drug impairment on the part of Griffith is suspected to be a factor in the crash. Griffith was arrested and transported to an area hospital where he refused to provide a blood sample. A “no refusal” warrant was obtained and blood was drawn from Griffith. The toxicology samples obtained will be submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.
Griffith was booked into the Jefferson Davis Parish Jail and charged with 3rd Offense DWI, driving left of center, no seatbelt, possession of Schedule I narcotics (mushrooms and heroin/2 counts), possession of Schedule II narcotics (Xanax), possession of Schedule IV narcotics (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, vehicular negligent injury (3 counts), and first degree vehicular negligent injury.
Louisiana State Police will continue to arrest any motorist found to be operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. To report impaired drivers, motorists are urged to dial *LSP (*577) or contact their local law enforcement agency.