Laplace, LA - A police pursuit ended in tragedy Thursday evening when a 30-year-old Marrero, Louisiana man died after crashing into a traffic signal pole on US 51 near Woodland Drive in St. John the Baptist Parish.

Jacob Faulstich Jr. was pronounced dead at the scene after he attempted to flee from St. John the Baptist Sheriff's deputies during an investigation, according to Louisiana State Police Troop B, who were called to investigate the fatal crash around 6:00 p.m. on April 24, 2025.

Investigators reported that Faulstich was driving a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro when he encountered deputies conducting an investigation. Rather than cooperating, Faulstich fled at high speed, prompting a police pursuit northbound on US 51.

As the chase approached Woodland Drive, Faulstich attempted to overtake a 2022 Honda Pilot. The maneuver proved fatal when the right side of his Camaro struck the front left portion of the Honda, causing him to lose control. The Camaro ran off the roadway and collided with a traffic signal pole.

State Police noted that Faulstich was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The driver and passenger in the Honda Pilot were properly restrained and escaped without injuries.

As part of standard procedure in fatal crashes, toxicology samples were collected from Faulstich and submitted for analysis. The driver of the Honda, who was not suspected of impairment, voluntarily provided a breath sample that showed no alcohol in their system.

Louisiana State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. No additional details have been released regarding the initial incident that prompted deputies to make contact with Faulstich before he fled.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.