NEW IBERIA, La. - A 32-year-old Duson woman was killed by a driver fleeing from police, according to TPR Thomas Gossen, Louisiana State Police Troop I spokesperson.
On Tuesday, just after 7:30 a.m., troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash near the intersection of LA Hwy 14 and Cape Palos Street in Iberia Parish. The crash claimed the life of Karla Norbert.
The preliminary investigation revealed a trooper assigned to traffic enforcement observed a 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis speeding on U.S. Hwy 90 eastbound near LA Hwy 675 (Jefferson Island Road). The driver was later identified as 35-year-old Broderick Brown of New Iberia, Gossen stated. After observing the violation, the trooper activated his lights and emergency siren in an attempt to stop the vehicle. Brown refused to stop and fled onto LA Hwy 14 at a high rate of speed. Less than one minute after fleeing the scene, Brown entered a left hand curve near LA Hwy 83, crossed the center line, and struck a 2010 Ford Escape driven by Norbert head-on.
Police say Norbert was not restrained and sustained fatal injuries. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. Norbert’s passenger sustained moderate injuries and was transported to an area hospital. Brown, who was restrained, received moderate injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
Brown is suspected of being impaired. Upon his release from the hospital, he will be charged with aggravated flight from an officer, reckless operation, suspended driver’s license, no insurance, open alcoholic container, an active warrant for a parole violation, vehicular homicide and first degree vehicular negligent injuring.
A toxicology sample was obtained from both drivers and will be submitted for analysis.
The crash remains under investigation.
Troop I has investigated 32 fatal crashes resulting in 35 deaths in 2020.
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