IBERIA PARISH, LA - At least 13 people were injured after an alleged drunk driver crashed his vehicle into a crowd at the Louisiana Lao New Year Festival on Saturday, April 4.
Following the incident, Louisiana State Police (LSP) arrested the driver, identified as 57-year-old Todd Landry of Jeanerette, Louisiana, CBS News reported. Landry has been charged with 18 counts of first-degree negligent injuring, driving while impaired, careless operation, and open container, police said.
Deputies with the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office (IPSO) said that earlier Saturday, they were investigating an incident involving a vehicle that struck multiple pedestrians during a parade.
The driver, later identified as Landry, showed signs of impairment, LSP said. He submitted a breath sample that showed a blood alcohol content of 0.137%. On X, Acadian Ambulance said it transported 11 patients by ground and two by air. "Several individuals sustained injuries, some of which are believed to be serious," the sheriff's office said.
The incident did not appear to be an intentional act based on a preliminary investigation, authorities said. It happened at a Louisiana Lao New Year event celebrating the Buddhist New Year.
Following the incident, the Louisiana Lao New Year Festival said that festival music programs were canceled for Saturday night. Vendors, however, remained open until 9:00 p.m. "We are profoundly saddened by the news of the incident near the festival grounds," the statement said.
"We are awaiting additional details from authorities as they become available. All security resources have been redirected to the scene, and we currently do not have security personnel available due to the circumstances," the statement added.
In a post on X, the Governor of Louisiana shared his condolences. "Sharon and I are praying for all those affected, and are grateful for the first responders who have responded to the scene," he wrote.
Following the incident, Louisiana State Police (LSP) arrested the driver, identified as 57-year-old Todd Landry of Jeanerette, Louisiana, CBS News reported. Landry has been charged with 18 counts of first-degree negligent injuring, driving while impaired, careless operation, and open container, police said.
Deputies with the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office (IPSO) said that earlier Saturday, they were investigating an incident involving a vehicle that struck multiple pedestrians during a parade.
The driver, later identified as Landry, showed signs of impairment, LSP said. He submitted a breath sample that showed a blood alcohol content of 0.137%. On X, Acadian Ambulance said it transported 11 patients by ground and two by air. "Several individuals sustained injuries, some of which are believed to be serious," the sheriff's office said.
The incident did not appear to be an intentional act based on a preliminary investigation, authorities said. It happened at a Louisiana Lao New Year event celebrating the Buddhist New Year.
Following the incident, the Louisiana Lao New Year Festival said that festival music programs were canceled for Saturday night. Vendors, however, remained open until 9:00 p.m. "We are profoundly saddened by the news of the incident near the festival grounds," the statement said.
"We are awaiting additional details from authorities as they become available. All security resources have been redirected to the scene, and we currently do not have security personnel available due to the circumstances," the statement added.
In a post on X, the Governor of Louisiana shared his condolences. "Sharon and I are praying for all those affected, and are grateful for the first responders who have responded to the scene," he wrote.
For corrections or revisions, click here.
The opinions reflected in this article are not necessarily the opinions of LET
Comments