News Summary
A man from Vinton, Louisiana, was arrested after hijacking a construction crane, causing multiple car crashes on Interstate 10. The incident on August 16 resulted in injuries to two individuals and significant highway disruptions. Authorities have charged the suspect with several offenses, including hit-and-run driving and aggravated obstruction. Investigation continues as police search for any accomplices involved.
Vinton, Louisiana
A 37-year-old man from Vinton, Louisiana, was arrested for hijacking a construction crane, leading to multiple car crashes on Interstate 10 on August 16. Matthew Vincent is facing a series of charges after his actions obstructed highway traffic and resulted in injuries for two individuals.
The incidents occurred around 5:30 a.m. as Vincent allegedly manipulated the boom arm of the crane over the westbound lanes of I-10, even though no construction work was taking place at that time. Witnesses reported seeing vehicles colliding with the crane, which was positioned in the median with cables hanging dangerously low over the traffic lanes. One of the cables struck a passing vehicle, prompting three additional crashes.
The Louisiana State Police reported that the chaos led to significant property damage, including major damage to the crane itself, and resulted in a lengthy closure of the interstate. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene to assess the damage and provide assistance to the injured parties.
Investigation and Arrest
Investigators noted that Vincent was able to gain access to the crane and interfere with traffic at the time of the incidents. A key fob for a Dodge Ram pickup truck was found inside the crane, leading authorities to discover the matching vehicle abandoned in a nearby field. It appears that Vincent had driven the truck off the highway before it became stuck, enabling him to cross the highway and enter the construction crane.
Authorities have charged Vincent with several offenses, including one count of simple burglary, aggravated obstruction of a highway, criminal mischief, and pedestrian on the interstate. In addition, he faces two counts of negligent injuring and five counts of hit-and-run driving. He is currently being held at the Calcasieu Correctional Center, with a bond set at $3,500.
Highway Impact
The event caused not only physical injuries but also significant disruptions to the morning commute on I-10. The interstate was closed for an extended period as authorities worked to clear the scene and conduct their investigation. The prompt response from law enforcement and emergency personnel helped prevent further injuries and led to a quick resolution of the situation.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are pursuing leads to determine if there was any accomplice involved in Vincent’s actions. They have encouraged anyone with additional information related to the incident to reach out to them. The investigation is ongoing as police assess the extent of property damage and gather more details about the series of events that led to the hijacking and subsequent crashes.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers present on highways, particularly when construction equipment is involved, even when no work is actively being performed. Authorities remain vigilant in addressing such incidents to ensure public safety on Louisiana’s roadways.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- KPLC: Hijacked Crane Causes Crashes on I-10
- Wikipedia: Construction Crane
- WAFB: Video Report on Hijacked Crane
- Google Search: Louisiana Hijacked Crane
- New York Post: Louisiana Man Accused of Hijacking Crane
- Google Scholar: Construction Crane Accidents
- KPEL 965: Hijacked Crane on I-10 Louisiana
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction Accidents
- WDSU: LSP Suspect Arrested After Hijacking Crane
- Google News: Louisiana Crane Incident
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
