Opelousas, Louisiana - In the early hours of December 16, 2023, Louisiana State Police Troop I received a report of a collision involving two vehicles on Louisiana Highway 182 near Richmar Loop in St. Landry Parish. Tragically, the crash resulted in the death of Ledisha A. Roberts, a 31-year-old resident of Opelousas, Louisiana.

According to initial findings, Roberts was driving a 2014 Toyota Camry south on LA 182 when a 2002 Ford F-250, driven by Joseph L. Richard, age 41, from Church Point, Louisiana crossed into the opposing lane and collided head-on with her vehicle.

Regrettably, Roberts was not wearing a seatbelt and sustained fatal injuries. The St. Landry Parish Coroner's Office pronounced her deceased at the scene. Richard, who was also unrestrained at the time of the crash, suffered only minor injuries. Additionally, a passenger in Richard's vehicle, who was properly restrained, sustained minor injuries.

Following standard procedures, authorities collected a toxicology sample from Roberts for analysis while Richard provided a breath sample that exceeded the legal limit for intoxication. As a result, he was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide along with other offenses including driving left of center and driving under suspension among others.

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.