Union Parish – On September 9, 2018, at approximately 9:20 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on LA Hwy 2 just west of Farmerville.
The preliminary investigation revealed a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 51-year-old Tracy Fields of Farmerville, was traveling east on LA Hwy 2. Troopers suspect that due to Fields being impaired, his vehicle crossed the center line into the westbound lane and struck a 1991 Ford F-150 driven by 60-year-old Gregory Andrews of Bernice.
Although, he was properly restrained, Andrews was pronounced dead at the scene by the Union Parish Coroner’ Office. Fields, was properly restrained and was not injured in the crash.
Impairment is not suspected on the part of Andrews; however, toxicology tests are pending. Fields showed signs of impairment while on scene and was arrested for Vehicular homicide, Vehicular negligent injuring and Driving left of center. Fields submitted to a breath test and was deemed to be impaired. He was booked into the Union Parish Detention Center.
Motorists must be reminded that alcohol has many effects on the body. Alcohol can impair visual ability, alter sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Just one drink may cause these effects. Whether impaired through alcohol or drugs, the consequences can be the same.
In 2018, Troop F has investigated 25 fatal crashes resulting in 29 deaths.