Vinton, Louisiana - In Vinton, Louisiana, a series of crashes on Interstate 10 westbound near Louisiana Highway 108 resulted from the unlawful manipulation of a construction crane, leading to the arrest of Matthew Vincent, 37, of Vinton, Louisiana. The incident occurred on August 16, 2025, just after 5:30 a.m., drawing a substantial response from Louisiana State Police Troop D, which oversees law enforcement for Calcasieu Parish and surrounding areas.

According to preliminary findings, the construction crane was parked in the median with its cables hanging over the westbound lanes, striking a passing vehicle and causing three subsequent crashes. The incidents led to two reported injuries, extensive damage to the crane and vehicles involved, and a prolonged closure of the interstate, impacting morning traffic for hours.

Investigators discovered that construction activity was not underway at the time, and the crane was unmanned when the crash occurred. Louisiana State Police detectives from the Sulphur Field Office responded, recovering a Ram pickup truck key fob inside the crane. Shortly thereafter, troopers located Vincent's Ram pickup truck stuck in a field south of I-10, with Vincent found nearby.

Detectives determined Vincent had abandoned his vehicle after driving off Highway 108, unlawfully entered the crane, and manipulated its boom, causing it to block traffic and lead to the crashes.

Vincent was booked into Calcasieu Correctional Center on the following charges:

• One count of La. R.S. 14:62 – Simple Burglary (unauthorized entry of the crane).
• One count of La. R.S. 14:96 – Aggravated Obstruction of a Highway (moving equipment to block an interstate).
• Two counts of La. R.S. 14:39 – Negligent Injuring (harm to individuals due to his actions).
• Five counts of La. R.S. 14:100 – Hit and Run Driving (leaving the scene of crashes).
• One count of La. R.S. 14:59 – Criminal Mischief (causing the property damage).
• One count of La. R.S. 32:216(B) – Pedestrian on the Interstate (unlawfully traveling on the highway on foot).

Louisiana State Police Troop D, headquartered in Lake Charles, is responsible for handling such incidents in Calcasieu Parish, conducting investigations, managing crash scenes, and enforcing state law. The ongoing investigation is exploring whether an accomplice may have been involved. Authorities urge anyone with relevant information or who witnessed suspicious activity in the area to contact the police or report anonymously using official channels.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.