On Wednesday, May 7, at approximately 11:24 p.m., the Caddo Sheriff's Office Patrol Division and Caddo Fire District No.3 responded to a major vehicle crash at the intersection of South Lakeshore and La 169. A passing motorist had reported seeing vehicle lights beyond the shoulder of the road.

Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator said a 2006 Chevrolet pickup was found in the wooded area on the west side of La 169. A preliminary investigation by the Sheriff's Traffic Safety Unit revealed the pickup was westbound on South Lakeshore at a high rate of speed and failed to stop for the stop sign at the "T" intersection. The vehicle traveled through the intersection and left the roadway airborne across a steep ditch into the wooded area. Both vehicle occupants were killed.

The driver was Melvin J. LaBelle, 48, of Iron Street in Caddo Parish. The passenger was Shawn P. Pierce, age 42, also of Iron Street.

The investigation is continuing.