Stolen Van Chase Ends in Crash, Driver Critically Injured

Categories: Louisiana Breaking NewsLouisiana CrimeLouisiana News

The scene of a police chase aftermath on Interstate 10.

News Summary

A police pursuit of a stolen van in Baton Rouge escalated dramatically on July 7, 2025, resulting in the driver being ejected and critically injured after a crash. The chase began when the Baton Rouge Police initiated a pursuit of a stolen Chevrolet Express van. An officer intervened to safely terminate the chase, leading to a collision that ejected the unbelted driver. Multiple vehicles were impacted during the pursuit, and law enforcement is investigating the incident, urging public assistance for any relevant information.

Baton Rouge, LA – A police pursuit of a stolen van concluded dramatically on July 7, 2025, resulting in the driver being ejected and critically injured after crashing. The incident began around 12:15 p.m. when the Baton Rouge Police Department initiated a chase for a 2017 Chevrolet Express van reported stolen.

During the pursuit, which took place in the Plank Road area before moving onto Interstate 10, the driver displayed increasingly dangerous behavior. As the situation escalated, a Trooper from the Louisiana State Police (LSP) judged the van to pose an imminent threat to both the public and the pursuing officers. To bring the chase to a safe conclusion, the Trooper employed a pursuit termination technique, making intentional contact with the vehicle.

The contact caused the stolen van to lose control and begin rotating on the highway. Consequently, the driver, 41-year-old Ronquinci James, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle during the crash. Initially unresponsive, James received immediate medical attention from Troopers on the scene, including CPR, prior to being transported to a local hospital with severe injuries. A female passenger, also unrestrained, suffered minor injuries in the incident.

Fortunately, no law enforcement officers sustained injuries during this event, which saw multiple vehicles reportedly struck during the pursuit. The Louisiana State Police has charged Ronquinci James with Aggravated Flight from an Officer. Subsequently, the Baton Rouge Police Department will manage any further charges related to the initial traffic stop that triggered the chase.

The crash occurred near the Whiskey Bay Bridge, leading to the closure of the eastbound lanes of I-10, which were later reopened as the scene was cleared. Regarding the aftermath of the incident, authorities are actively investigating and are requesting assistance from the public. They urge anyone with relevant information, photographs, or videos related to the chase to contact LSP Detectives.

As part of their outreach, citizens have the option to report details anonymously via the Louisiana State Police’s online reporting system or by calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.

Ronquinci James has a concerning history of previous arrests, including charges for burglary, stalking, and another instance of aggravated flight from an officer in 2009. This prior record has drawn attention as authorities sift through details related to the latest pursuit and crash.

The situation remains of significant interest as law enforcement continues their investigation into the events leading up to the crash and the actions taken during the pursuit. Community members are reminded of the inherent dangers of high-speed vehicle chases and are encouraged to provide any assistance that could aid in the investigation.