Dave
Cohen Reporting
The Slidell Police Department
is reacting to the deadly crash involving an off-duty policeman who troopers
suspect was drunk and not wearing a seat belt when he flipped his Jeep and a
passenger died.
"This situation has
devastated the entire Slidell Police Department," Detective Daniel
Seuzeneau said in a news release.
"All we can ask for, at this time, are prayers for the friends and
families of those involved with this tragic accident."
The officer, 31-year-old John
Cole, was driving on LA 433 east of I-10 in St. Tammany Parish around 4:30am
Sunday.
Louisiana State Police Trooper
Greg Marchand said, "The preliminary investigation revealed that Cole, an
off-duty Slidell Police Officer... failed to maneuver a left curve in the
roadway causing the Jeep to run off road to the right. Upon leaving the roadway, Cole overcorrected
to the left and lost control of the vehicle resulting in the Jeep entering a
ditch and overturning. "
He says Cole's passenger,
31-year-old Daniel Hanlon, was pronounced dead on the scene
"Cole was not properly
restrained at the time of the crash and was transported to the Interim LSU
Hospital in New Orleans with serious injuries," according to the trooper.
Seuzeneau said that Cole is
currently listed in critical condition.
"Impairment is suspected
on Cole's part and a blood sample was collected for a toxicological
analysis. Those results and charges are
pending as this crash remains under investigation," Marchand said. "Making poor decisions in a vehicle such
as driving impaired, driving while distracted, or not wearing a seat belt leads
to serious injuries and deaths every day across the state. Making the responsible decision can mean the
difference between life and death. And
remember, the only designated driver is the person who has had NO
ALCOHOL."
