Driver Charged in East Baton Rouge Parish Fatal Crash

Baton Rouge - At approximately 2:00 p.m. on September 7th, 2024, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A responded to a multi-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 42 (Highland Rd.) at Interstate 10 in East Baton Rouge Parish. The crash claimed the life of 92-year-old Mary Harris of Prairieville, and seriously injured two others.

The initial investigation revealed that 76-year-old Wayne J. Green of Kenner was traveling westbound on I-10 in a 2003 Toyota Highlander. Green exited the I-10 off-ramp at a high rate of speed, and struck the passenger side of a 2020 Acura RDX that was traveling northbound on Highland Rd. The Acura was pushed across the median into the southbound lanes of Highland Rd. before coming to rest in a ditch. Green's Toyota also struck a 2020 Ford Raptor, and debris from the crash struck a 2025 Hyundai Tucson.

Harris, a passenger in the Acura, was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased. The driver of the Acura was also transported to a hospital with serious injuries. Green sustained serious injuries, and was transported to a hospital where he was placed under arrest. Once released, Green will be booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison for LRS 14:32 - Negligent homicide, LRS 14:39 - Negligent injuring, and LRS 14:99 - Reckless operation. All drivers were properly restrained. Standard toxicology samples were obtained, and this crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists the importance of making good decisions while in motor vehicles. Follow all traffic laws, never drive while impaired or distracted, and always ensure every occupant is properly restrained. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.

Contact Information:
Lt. Jared L. Sandifer
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (225) 925-6202
[email protected]