Lafayette Parish – On June 7, 2022, shortly after 2:30 a.m., an officer with Carencro Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop on LA 182 near Prejean Road. The driver refused to stop and a pursuit ensued which ended in a fatal crash that claimed the life of the passenger, 16-year-old George Desamon, Jr. of Lafayette.

The initial investigation revealed the officer attempted a traffic stop on LA 182 in Carencro on a 2019 Ford Explorer for driving with no taillights when the driver, 18-year-old Jamari Tillman of Morgan City, began fleeing from police at a high rate of speed. For reasons still under investigation, Tillman lost control of the Explorer and exited the roadway. The vehicle overturned and came to rest in the parking area of the Carencro Community Center. The Explorer was later confirmed to be stolen from within the Parish of Lafayette.

Desamon was unrestrained in the passenger seat and sustained fatal injuries in the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lafayette Parish Coroner’s Office. Tillman was unrestrained and was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries. A toxicology sample was obtained and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation and charges are pending.

In 2022, Troop I has investigated 18 fatal crashes resulting in 21 deaths.