Louisiana Drunk Driver Causes Power Outage After Crash with 18-Wheeler on Highway 175

Caddo Parish, Louisiana - A St. Landry Parish man was arrested for driving while intoxicated and careless operation following a major crash that caused a power outage at the intersection of Ellerbe Road and Louisiana Highway 175 in Caddo Parish.

Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator said on January 5, 2023, that the intersection of Ellerbe Road and Louisiana Highway 175 was entirely closed due to a major crash that caused a power outage. A man from St. Landry Parish was arrested for driving while intoxicated and careless operation.

Caddo Parish patrol deputies were summoned to the intersection of Ellerbe Road and LA-Hwy. 175 shortly before 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday due to a severe crash. According to deputies, a GMC pickup was traveling east on Ellerbe Road when it came to a stop at the intersection. The driver allegedly continued driving east, failing to yield to a southbound 18-wheeler on Highway 175. The vehicles collided at the junction and collided with a SWEPCO pole, resulting in downed power lines and a power outage.

There were no reported injuries, but the driver of the GMC pickup, Christopher Fontenot, 50, was arrested and placed into the Caddo Correctional Center on one count of 1st offense driving while intoxicated and one count of careless operation.

SWEPCO personnel needed five trucks at the scene to restore power.

All of the intersection's lanes are now open.

A person is innocent until proven guilty.