Baton Rouge, Louisiana - At approximately 12:15 p.m. on July 7, 2025, a high-speed pursuit involving a stolen 2017 Chevrolet Express van and Baton Rouge Police officers escalated on Interstate 10, ending in a serious crash after Louisiana State Police intervened to stop the vehicle. The incident spanned parts of East Baton Rouge Parish.
According to officials, Louisiana State Police were notified of the ongoing pursuit and responded to assist local officers. As the chase progressed, one Trooper took the lead. Police reports indicate that, due to multiple prior crashes and reckless driving by the fleeing suspect, officers judged the van to pose an imminent threat of death or serious injury to both the public and pursuing law enforcement.
To prevent further danger, the lead Trooper deployed a pursuit termination technique, intentionally making contact with the van as it traveled eastbound on I-10. This maneuver caused the van to lose control and rotate, resulting in a violent crash. Pursuit termination techniques are deliberate tactics used by law enforcement to stop a fleeing vehicle when the risk to public safety outweighs the benefits of continued pursuit.
The driver, a 41-year-old male, was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the van. He was initially unresponsive at the scene. Troopers administered immediate aid, including CPR, before the driver was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. An unrestrained female passenger also sustained minor injuries. No officers reported injuries during the incident.
Louisiana State Police will charge the driver with aggravated flight from an officer, a felony offense in Louisiana involving the deliberate and dangerous attempt to evade law enforcement. The Baton Rouge Police Department will pursue additional charges linked to the original reason for the traffic stop and pursuit. Both agencies are continuing their investigations.
Officials urge anyone with information, photos, or video related to the crash to contact Louisiana State Police detectives. Anonymous tips are accepted through the State Police online reporting system or by calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.
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.
