Breaux Bridge, Louisiana - A Louisiana man faces multiple felony charges following a Louisiana State Police investigation into a suspected staged crash on Interstate 10 near the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. According to state police, William Baker, 34, of Baton Rouge, was arrested on August 5, 2025, after troopers determined he deliberately caused a collision with a commercial truck transporting liquid nitrogen gas.
The incident, which occurred just before 10 a.m. on June 24, 2025, began when troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to reports of a crash near the intersection of I-10 West and Louisiana Highway 3177. Authorities found that Baker, driving a passenger vehicle, allegedly passed the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in the right lane, then intentionally straddled the roadway’s center line before abruptly braking—without any traffic obstruction ahead. This sudden maneuver resulted in the 18-wheeler rear-ending Baker’s vehicle.
Investigators reviewed dash camera footage provided by the truck’s driver, which reportedly showed Baker’s actions leading up to the incident. Despite the recorded evidence, Baker submitted a written statement contradicting the video. The Louisiana State Police Insurance Fraud and Auto Theft Unit, through its Breaux Bridge Field Office, pursued charges after determining Baker’s account was false.
Baker was arrested and processed at the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center. He faces charges under Louisiana Revised Statute 14:68.1 for staging a motor vehicle crash and under LA R.S. 14:133 for filing or maintaining false public records.
Staging motor vehicle crashes for fraudulent insurance claims is a persistent problem in Louisiana and has prompted law enforcement agencies to devote specialized units to detect and prosecute such schemes. These staged incidents involve individuals deliberately causing or pretending to be involved in a crash to submit false insurance claims, potentially leading to significant financial losses for insurers and higher premiums for policyholders.
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.