Fatal Crash After Police Pursuit Shuts Down Pinhook In Lafayette

LAFAYETTE, La. — A police pursuit ended in a deadly crash early Saturday morning, leaving one person dead, two others critically injured and a 22-year-old Broussard man facing multiple charges.

The crash happened around 2:32 a.m. Saturday, September 5, in the 1600 block of West Pinhook Road near the Vermilion River.

Witnesses in the area reported a significant emergency response and a severe crash scene. Residents in nearby neighborhoods also reported seeing law enforcement activity associated with a pursuit, with some saying portions of the incident were captured by residential security cameras.

West Pinhook Road was closed in both directions for much of the early morning as investigators worked the scene.

Police Say Driver Was Evading A Traffic Stop

According to an updated press release from the Lafayette Police Department, officers were assisting Louisiana State Police with a vehicle that was evading a traffic stop within Lafayette city limits.

Police said the vehicle, a 2012 Ford F-150, continued onto West Pinhook Road.

Investigators said the driver disregarded a red traffic signal at the intersection of La Rue France and West Pinhook Road before crashing into a 2018 Chevrolet Impala.

Passenger Killed, Two Others Critically Injured

The impact resulted in multiple serious injuries.

According to Lafayette Police, the driver and one passenger inside the Chevrolet Impala suffered serious injuries. Both were transported to an area hospital and were listed in critical condition as of the department's latest update.

A second passenger in the Impala suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.

A passenger traveling in the Ford F-150 suffered moderate injuries and was transported to an area hospital, where police said that person was listed in stable condition.

The identity of the person killed in the crash was not immediately released.

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Broussard Man Arrested Following Crash

Police identified the driver of the Ford F-150 as Larry Hamilton Jr., 22, of Broussard.

Following a medical evaluation, Hamilton was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on one count of negligent homicide and three counts of negligent injuring, according to Lafayette Police.

LPD said Hamilton also faces additional charges from Louisiana State Police. Those additional charges were not detailed in the department's updated release.

Pinhook Closed For Hours During Investigation

The crash created a significant closure along one of Lafayette's busiest roads during the early morning hours Saturday.

Lafayette Police first announced the crash shortly after 3:25 a.m., reporting that West Pinhook Road was closed in both directions in the 1600 block. Drivers were initially diverted toward Evangeline Thruway or Camellia Boulevard while emergency crews and investigators remained at the scene.

The Lafayette Police Department Traffic Unit continues to investigate the fatal crash.

Additional information, including the identity of the person killed, may be released as the investigation continues.