Farmerville, Louisiana - A two-vehicle crash near Farmerville, Louisiana, on Saturday, December 7, 2024, resulted in the death of a 62-year-old man. The incident occurred on Louisiana Highway 33 at Louisiana Highway 15, according to a report by the Louisiana State Police.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the Union Parish Sheriff's Office (UPSO) attempted to stop a 2016 Nissan Frontier driven by Ernest Mitchell of Farmerville for a traffic violation. Mitchell began fleeing north on Louisiana Highway 33, and at the same time, a 2019 Toyota Tacoma was traveling south on the same highway.

For reasons still under investigation, Mitchell attempted to make a right turn onto Louisiana Highway 15 at the same time the Toyota was turning left onto the same road. As a result, the Nissan struck the Toyota. Mitchell, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and received serious injuries. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.

The driver of the Toyota, who was properly restrained, received minor injuries and was also transported to a local hospital for treatment. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.

The Louisiana State Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the reason for Mitchell's attempted turn and the events leading up to the pursuit. The UPSO initially requested the assistance of the Louisiana State Police to investigate the incident.