News Summary
A 26-year-old woman, Azaria Scott, has been arrested for vehicular homicide following a fatal accident on the Crescent City Connection bridge. The crash resulted in the death of motorcyclist Lonnie Thompson, who sustained critical injuries. Scott, who attempted to flee the scene and was found intoxicated, now faces upgraded charges after Thompson’s death. The incident underscores the grave dangers of impaired driving and has raised community concerns about road safety.
New Orleans – A 26-year-old woman from Terrytown, Azaria Scott, has been arrested and charged with vehicular homicide following a fatal accident on the Crescent City Connection bridge on Saturday morning. The tragic incident claimed the life of 36-year-old Lonnie Thompson, a motorcyclist from Westwego, who was critically injured in the collision.
The accident occurred around 3:30 a.m. when Scott’s Acura struck Thompson, who was riding a Can-Am Spyder at the time. Due to the impact, Thompson was thrown from his vehicle. He was not wearing a helmet, which contributed to the severity of his injuries. Emergency responders transported him to a local hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries and died on Sunday.
After the collision, Scott attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended shortly thereafter by state troopers. Trooper First Class Jacob Pucheu reported that Scott acquiesced to a breathalyzer test that revealed she was intoxicated at the time of the incident. Initially, she faced charges of driving under the influence (DUI), reckless vehicle injuring, and hit and run. However, as a result of Thompson’s death, the charge of reckless vehicle injuring was subsequently upgraded to vehicular manslaughter on Monday.
Scott is currently being held at the Orleans Parish jail as the investigation continues, and the crash scene is under examination by the Louisiana State Police (LSP). The Crescent City Connection, where the incident occurred, is a crucial bridge that connects the west and east banks of New Orleans.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the tragic consequences that can arise from such behavior. The implications of this accident not only impact the families of those involved but also highlight the ongoing issues surrounding road safety.
The community is mourning the loss of Thompson, who was well-regarded in the area. The investigation by the LSP aims to provide further detailed insight into the specifics of the crash and the circumstances leading up to it, ensuring accountability and reinforcing the importance of safe driving practices among all road users.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the accident to come forward, as the investigation is still active. The tragic event has sparked conversations about the need for increased awareness regarding driving under the influence as well as the proper use of safety gear, such as helmets for motorcyclists.
As this situation develops, local law enforcement remains committed to transparency in their investigation, aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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Additional Resources
- WGNO: Alleged Impaired Driver Faces New Charge
- Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence
- WWLTV: Accident on Crescent City Connect Bridge
- Google Search: Crescent City Connection accident
- NOLA: Crash Blocks Three Lanes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vehicle Accidents
- WDSU: Heavy Delays on US 90 West
- Google News: Vehicular Homicide
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.
