Lake Charles, Louisiana - A Lake Charles man is facing serious charges including vehicular homicide following a deadly two-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a motorcyclist in Calcasieu Parish last week.
On March 24, 2025, a collision between a Ford Ranger pickup truck and a Suzuki motorcycle at the intersection of Louisiana Highway 397 and Mary Ann Street in Lake Charles resulted in the death of 26-year-old Joseph Bourque of Iowa, Louisiana, according to Louisiana State Police Troop D.
Investigators report that shortly before 8:00 p.m., Mickal Allison of Lake Charles was driving south on Highway 397 in a 2001 Ford Ranger when he attempted to make a left turn onto Mary Ann Street. According to the preliminary investigation, Allison failed to yield to oncoming traffic and turned into the path of Bourque's northbound 2005 Suzuki motorcycle.
Despite wearing a Department of Transportation approved helmet, Bourque sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. Allison escaped injury, but a passenger in his vehicle suffered serious injuries. Authorities are still determining whether Allison and his passenger were properly restrained at the time of the crash.
During the investigation, state troopers observed signs of impairment in Allison. After administering a breath test, which revealed a blood alcohol concentration exceeding the legal limit, officers placed Allison under arrest. Standard toxicology samples were also collected from Bourque and submitted for analysis, which is a routine procedure in fatal crash investigations.
Allison was processed at the Calcasieu Correctional Center and faces multiple charges including:
- Vehicular homicide
- Vehicular negligent injuring
- Failure to yield while turning left at an intersection
- Operating a vehicle with a suspended license
The crash remains under investigation by Louisiana State Police Troop D.
Traffic safety experts note that left turns across traffic lanes remain one of the most dangerous maneuvers for drivers, requiring complete attention and proper judgment of oncoming vehicle speeds. When impairment is involved, the risks increase significantly as reaction time and decision-making abilities become compromised.
Louisiana law defines vehicular homicide as causing the death of another person while operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, carrying potential prison sentences of 5-30 years depending on circumstances and prior offenses.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.