Deadly Crash

Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. A Richwood man is in the Ouachita Correctional Center and facing charges after he was arrested after being involved in a fatal crash on Interstate 20. Louisiana State Police responded to the scene located at mile marker 123, on May 29 around 9:20 p.m., where they saw a vehicle described as a 2006 GMC Yukon on the north side of the roadway crashed into a line of trees. According to LSP, contact was made with the alleged driver who was identified as 52-year-old Leon Patrick, Jr. Officers also observed a damaged motorcycle in a grassy area on the same side of the crash area. The operator was pronounced dead on the scene. Officers say that Patrick's eyes "were red" and watery, as his speech appeared to be slurred. There was also an alleged strong odor of alcohol coming from Patrick's breath, officers added. Patrick, officers said, that he "hit" a bump on the roadway, while allegedly admitting that he "drank four beers" before leaving from Rayville, La. According to police reports, Patrick performed poorly while conducting a Field Sobriety Test. After that, he was arrested and taken to OCC. He is facing charges of Careless Operation and Vehicular Homicide. As of press time, the operator of the motorcycle has not been identified.

Photo Leon Patrick Jr