L’Observateur / May 24, 2000

GRAMERCY -A 2-year-old Edgard boy is in critical condition at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans after an accident on Louisiana Highway 18 at the Veterans Memorial Bridge off ramp.

At approximately 5 p.m. Friday a 1997 Chevrolet Astro Van was attemptingto make a left turn onto Louisiana Highway 18 and due to an obstructed view, pulled out in front of a southbound 1994 Ford pickup. The driver of theChevy was Reshonn Saul, 19, with passengers Daunte Gaudia, 1, Jaylyn Bryant, 4 and Jordan Favorite, 4, all of Vacherie.

The Ford was driven by the Lynda Pierce, 53, with passengers Karen Bean, 28, and Malik Bean, 2, all of Edgard.

Seat belts and child restraints were used in the Astro Van, and seat belts were used by the adults in the Ford. However, the 2-year-old was ridingunrestrained on the passenger’s lap.

The driver and passengers in the Chevy were transported to River Parishes Hospital in LaPlace for treatment of minor injuries. The driver andpassengers in the Ford were transported to Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. Later, the 2-year-old was transported to Ochsner Hospital. Saul was charged with failing to yield the right of way, and Pierce was charged for not having the child restrained in the vehicle.

Speed and alcohol was not a factor in the accident, which is still under investigation.

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