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The fatal crash involving 9-year-old Abigail Douglas remains under investigation.  However, on October 22, 2021, the impaired driver (Wendell Lachney) was arrested and booked with 1st Degree Vehicular Negligent Injuring, Reckless Operation, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance and several other violations.  Lachney later bonded out from the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center.  Following the death of Abigail on October 24, 2021, an arrest warrant was signed for Lachney for Vehicular Homicide.  Louisiana State Police Detectives located Lachney at a secure medical facility, where he currently remains under medical supervision.  There is a hold on Lachney at the facility and upon medical release, Lachney will be booked on the additional charges in Jefferson Parish.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the Douglas family.

Every day, Troopers witness the devastating effects impaired driving has on families across our state.  We investigate each crash to the fullest extent and bring charges against those who make these deadly decisions while behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.  We encourage everyone to utilize other means of transportation, taxi, rideshare, etc., if they have ingested any substance that may impair their ability to drive.  If you feel different, you drive different.