A fatal crash in Iberville Parish took the life of one woman on Friday.
On August 9, shortly before 10 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a two vehicle fatal crash on LA Hwy 77 (Bayou Jacob Rd.) west of LA Hwy 1 in Iberville Parish.
The crash took the life of 39-year-old Julia Patterson of Plaquemine.
An initial investigation uncovered that the crash occurred as 41-year-old Roger Brigalia of Plaquemine and his passenger were driving eastbound on LA Hwy 77. At the same time, Patterson was traveling westbound on LA Hwy 77. For reasons still under investigation, Brigalia crossed the centerline into the opposite lane, which resulted in Brigalia's vehicle striking Patterson's headon.
Patterson was unrestrained at the time of the crash. She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. Impairment is not suspected by Patterson, but a routine toxicology sample was obtained.
Brigalia and his passenger were also unrestrained. They sustained moderate injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Brigalia is suspected to have been impaired at the time of the crash and a toxicology sample was taken for analysis.
After being medically cleared from the hospital, Troopers arrested Brigalia. He was booked into the Iberville Parish Jail on charges of Vehicular Homicide,Vehicular Negligent Injuring, DWI (1st offense), Possesion of Schedule I Drugs, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Left of Center, and Driving Under Suspension.
The crash remains under investigation.
Troopers remind residents to please not drive impaired or ride with an impaired driver and to always buckle up.
