St. Landry Parish – On May 10,  just after 2 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash on U.S. Highway 167 near LA Highway 749. The crash claimed the life of 15-year-old Trashawn Harrison of Abbeville, LA.

Prior to the crash, a Trooper observed a Ford Explorer traveling northbound on Hwy 167 at a high rate of speed and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop and a pursuit ensued; however, it was soon terminated by the Trooper due to inclement weather and unsafe speeds. After ending the pursuit, the Trooper discovered the Explorer had traveled off the roadway, struck a parked vehicle, overturned, and struck a utility pole before coming to rest. Further investigation revealed the Explorer was stolen from within the city limits of Abbeville hours prior to the crash.

At the time of the crash, the Explorer was occupied by four juvenile passengers including Harrison who was unrestrained and ejected from the vehicle. Three other passengers were also unrestrained and were transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries. The suspected juvenile driver fled the scene on foot and is being sought by investigators at this time. The crash remains under investigation and criminal charges are pending.

Troop I has investigated 23 fatal crashes resulting in 29 deaths in 2021.