Angie, Louisiana - Louisiana State Police are investigating a deadly single-vehicle crash that occurred late Sunday morning, January 4, 2026, on Louisiana Highway 21 near Louisiana Highway 438 in Washington Parish. The incident claimed the life of 53-year-old James M. Brister of Angie, Louisiana.
According to Louisiana State Police Troop L, the crash happened at approximately 11:50 a.m. Investigators said a 2003 Toyota Camry, driven by 45-year-old Shantrell M. Spikes of Angie, was traveling north on LA 21 when it left its lane under circumstances that are still under investigation.
Preliminary findings indicate the Toyota crossed the center line and ran off the left side of the roadway. Troopers reported that the vehicle then re-entered the road when Spikes overcorrected, causing her to lose control. The Camry overturned and rolled into an adjacent ditch.
Brister, who was riding in the front passenger seat and was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle. Troopers said he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Spikes, who was also not wearing a seat belt, suffered serious injuries in the crash. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment. No additional information on her medical condition was released.
During the on-scene investigation, troopers observed signs that Spikes was impaired. Louisiana State Police stated that she was subsequently placed under arrest. As is standard practice in serious and fatal crashes, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities said that once Spikes is released from the hospital, she will be booked into the Washington Parish Correctional Facility. She faces multiple charges, including:
- Vehicular homicide
- Driving while intoxicated (first offense)
- Careless operation
- No seat belt worn
Louisiana State Police indicated that the crash remains under active investigation. No further details, including the specific nature of the suspected impairment or toxicology results, have been released at this time.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.