St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana – Since October 2023, the Louisiana State Police have been diligently looking into the multiple collisions that took place during a heavy fog incident on I-55. During their investigation, Troopers discovered that on October 23, 2023, Ronald Britt, a 61-year-old from Lafayette, Louisiana was driving a 2022 Freightliner truck northbound on I-55 in the left lane. Meanwhile, a 2018 Cadillac CTS was stationary in the left lane due to some minor crashes ahead. Britt failed to brake in time, leading to his Freightliner colliding with the back of the Cadillac.
James Fleming, aged 60 and driving the Cadillac, was killed in the crash. His wife, Barbara Fleming, who was sitting in the front seat, sustained severe injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Troopers discovered through investigations that Britt was driving the Freightliner at dangerous speeds in foggy conditions. As a result, an arrest warrant was issued for Britt by the 40th JDC for charges of Negligent Homicide, Negligent Injuring, Reckless Operation, and other traffic offenses. Britt was taken into custody and booked at St. John Parish Correctional Center on March 11, 2024.
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.