Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a two-vehicle crash on Feb. 12 around 1:39 pm on I-49 near Mile Post 140. The crash claimed the life of 25-year-old Dejuan D. Dickerson of Highland Park, MI.
The initial investigation revealed that a 2025 Freightliner was stopped on the southbound shoulder of I-49. The driver (pedestrian) of the Freightliner was attempting to change a flat tire on the vehicle. For reasons still under investigation, a southbound 2023 Freightliner drifted onto the southbound shoulder, struck the left side of the 2025 Freightliner and impacted the pedestrian.
Dickerson sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on scene. The driver of the 2023 Freightliner, who was restrained, sustained minor injuries. Routine toxicology sample were obtained and submitted for analysis. Charges are pending.
While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state. Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to stay alert while driving. A lapse in one’s awareness can have deadly consequences.
Original:
Traffic was disrupted Thursday afternoon after a reported accident involving 18-wheelers on Interstate 49.
A NPJ reader submitted a news tip reporting a fire on I-49 on Feb. 12 around 1:50 pm. According to the tip, the on-ramp heading north toward Shreveport was blocked off and both lanes of traffic were closed.
The reader also indicated that it appeared as though two 18-wheelers were on fire.
Officials had not released confirmed details about the cause of the fire or the extent of any injuries as of press time. No further information is available at this time.
