Impairment Suspected in Head-On Fatal Crash

Posted: Jun 23, 2012 3:07 PM by Sharlee Barriere

This morning, Louisiana State Police investigated a two vehicle crash on US Highway 167 north of LA Highway 749 which claimed the life of a Ville Platte woman and left a Port Barre man in critical condition.
According to investigating troopers assigned to Troop I, shortly before 6:00 a.m., 20-year-old Alec Olivier of Port Barre, was driving a 1999 Pontiac Grand-Am north in the southbound lane on US Highway 167. A 2001 Toyota SUV, driven by 62-year-old Rita Soileau of Ville Platte, was driving south on US Highway 167 in the southbound lane. The two vehicles collided head-on north of LA Highway 749.
Both Olivier and Soileau were transported to local hospitals in critical condition. Soileau, who was wearing a seatbelt at the time the crash occurred, was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Olivier, who is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, remains in critical condition at an area hospital. Troopers indicated they are still investigating whether or not Olivier was restrained at the time of the crash. Routine toxicology samples have been obtained and will be submitted to the Louisiana State police Crime Lab for analysis.

Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation. This crash remains under investigation.