Avoyelles Parish – Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 1 near the Echo community on August 3 at approximately 9pm. The crash claimed the life of 59-year-old Rickey G. Maddox of Alexandria.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 34-year-old Romero H. Roberto of Alexandria, was northbound on Louisiana Highway 1. For reasons still under investigation, Roberto left the northbound lane of travel and impacted a 2013 Kubota (lawn mower), driven by Maddox, on the northbound shoulder.

Maddox sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Roberto, who was not restrained, sustained no injuries. Toxicology samples were obtained and submitted. Impairment is a suspected factor in this crash.

On August 4, Troopers placed Roberto under arrest for vehicular homicide, driving while intoxicated (1st offense), careless operation, no driver’s license and expired license plate. Roberto was processed at the Avoyelles Parish Detention Center. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police would like to remind all motorists that if a driver feels differently, they drive differently. Alcohol, prescription drugs, and other drugs have many effects on the body that negatively affect driving skills. These drugs can impair visual ability, alter the sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. Not doing so can have deadly consequences.