Driver Arrested After Fatal Crash Involving DOTD Vehicle

New Orleans - On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, shortly after 2:00 pm, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B responded to a three-vehicle crash on I-610 west, near Canal Boulevard, in Orleans Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 23-year-old Eric Anthony Jr. of New Orleans. At the time of the crash, Anthony was performing his duties as a DOTD Motorist Assistance Patrol (MAP) Operator.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the crash occurred as Anthony was assisting the driver of a disabled 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche. Anthony, who was operating a fully marked 2018 Dodge Ram MAP emergency vehicle, was parked on the right shoulder behind the Chevrolet. The Dodge had its emergency lights activated, an illuminated signboard on the top of the vehicle, and traffic cones placed on the shoulder behind it. Anthony was standing near the rear of the Dodge retrieving equipment to tend to the Chevrolet's flat tire.

At the same time, 26-year-old Oscar G. Perez-Moran of Arabi was driving a 2020 Nissan Rogue west on I-610 near the Canal Boulevard exit. For reasons still under investigation, the Nissan traveled off the roadway onto the right shoulder, striking Anthony. The Nissan then struck the rear of the Dodge before rotating and impacting the Chevrolet.

Anthony suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the Chevrolet was uninjured and not inside the vehicle at the time of the crash. Perez-Moran, who was unrestrained, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. As part of the ongoing investigation, routine toxicology samples were obtained for analysis.
As a result of the investigation, Perez-Moran was arrested and will be booked into the Orleans Parish Jail upon release from the hospital for Negligent Homicide and other traffic-related charges.

It is important for drivers to remember Louisiana's Move Over Law. When approaching any emergency vehicle with emergency lights illuminated on the shoulder of a roadway with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction, drivers must move over an entire lane if it is safe to do so. If not, drivers must slow down to an appropriate speed. This law also applies to any vehicle that uses visual signals, such as emergency hazard lights, parked on or near the highway. For more information, please see the short video here: https://fb.watch/uP7pSkHpw5/

Contact Information:
Trooper First Class Jacob Pucheu
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section - Troop B
Office: (504) 471-2775
[email protected]