WEBSTER PARISH — Louisiana State Police believe impairment was a factor in a crash that claimed the life of a 51-year-old Leesville resident Thursday night.
The crash was announced in a news release Friday morning.
Shortly before 9 p.m. Thursday, State Police’s Troop G responded to a crash on Highway 528 near Goodwill Road.
Billy Cobb, who was properly restrained, died in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Investigators believe Cobb was driving a 2005 Toyota pickup truck west on Louisiana Highway 528 when he lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle he was driving left the highway, overturned and struck a tree.
Impairment is suspected to be a factor in the crash, police said. A toxicology sample was taken and submitted for analysis.
The crash remains under investigation.
“Louisiana State Police would like to remind all motorists that if you feel differently, you drive differently. Alcohol, prescription medications, and other drugs have many negative effects on the body that can impair driving skills,” State Police said in a news release.
“These drugs can impair visual ability, alter the sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. Not doing so can have deadly consequences.”
In 2020, Troop G has investigated 12 fatal crashes resulting in 12 deaths.
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Emily Enfinger is the breaking news reporter for The Shreveport Times, covering crime and court. Follow her on Twitter at @EmilyEnfinger.
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