Louisiana Man Charged with Negligent Homicide After Juvenile Passenger Killed in Crash during Vehicle Pursuit

Louisiana – On May 21, 2022, Louisiana State Police reported that on Friday, May 20, 2022, just after 11:30 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop G was requested by the Bossier City Police Department (BCPD) to assist with a vehicle pursuit on Interstate 20 in Bossier Parish. As Troopers joined BCPD Officers in the pursuit, the suspect vehicle crashed, killing an unrestrained juvenile passenger.

Louisiana State Troopers, who were assisting the Bossier City Police Department, learned that the pursuit began when BCPD Officers attempted to stop a Chevrolet Tahoe for a traffic violation and the vehicle fled at high speed. Troopers joined the pursuit as it entered Caddo Parish and became the primary units. The driver of the Chevrolet Tahoe, later identified as 22-year-old Willie Player of Bossier City, Louisiana was fleeing from police when it collided with a brick access control wall on Montrose Drive near Line Avenue.

After colliding with the wall, the Tahoe overturned several times before coming to rest on a utility pole. After the Tahoe came to a stop, Player fled and was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit. Brenda Adler, a 13-year-old unrestrained juvenile, was ejected from the vehicle and died as a result of the crash. A second unrestrained juvenile passenger was treated for non-life threatening injuries in the Tahoe. The crash did not injure Player.

Player was charged with Negligent Homicide, Negligent Injuring, Aggravated Flight, Resisting an Officer, Hit and Run Driving, Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance, and Illegally Carrying of Weapons and booked into the Caddo Correctional Center. After obtaining a search warrant, Troopers located a handgun, a high capacity magazine, and various narcotics inside the vehicle.

Although impairment is not suspected to be a factor in this crash, routine toxicology samples were collected and sent for analysis. The crash and its circumstances are still being investigated, and more information will be released as soon as possible.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.