Crime & Safety
St. Martin Parish, LA: Driver Arrested After Girl, 13, Dies in Crash
Henderson, LA – A driver has been arrested on multiple charges, including vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated with child endangerment, following a September crash on Interstate 10 that cl
By Erin Vale · 2026-10-15T22:25:11.841Z
Henderson, LA – A driver has been arrested on multiple charges, including vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated with child endangerment, following a September crash on Interstate 10 that claimed the life of a 13 year old girl from Bellevue, Louisiana.
According to Louisiana State Police Troop I, investigators obtained an arrest warrant for a driver identified by the last name Clawson following their investigation into the fatal crash in St. Martin Parish.
Clawson was arrested Wednesday, October 14, and booked into the St. Martin Parish Jail.
Teen Died Following Interstate 10 Crash The crash occurred September 12, 2026, shortly after 5:30 p.m. on westbound I 10 near the Butte La Rose exit.
Investigators said a 2013 Hyundai Elantra was traveling in the left lane when it entered the right lane and struck a 2020 Ram ProMaster van.
Both vehicles subsequently struck concrete barriers.
A 13 year old passenger in the Hyundai, who was not wearing a seat belt, suffered critical injuries and died September 15.
The Hyundai's driver and three additional passengers were also transported for medical treatment. Police reported that an infant's child safety seat was not properly secured.
Driver Faces Seven Charges State police reported that Clawson faces the following allegations:
Vehicular homicide Vehicular negligent injuring Reckless operation of a vehicle First degree vehicular negligent injuring Three counts of child passenger restraint violations Failure to wear a seat belt First offense DWI with child endangerment Authorities said toxicology evidence was collected during the investigation. The release did not specify the results.
The driver of the Ram was reportedly uninjured and showed no signs of impairment.
Investigation Continues Louisiana State Police confirmed Thursday that the investigation remains active.
Troopers also reminded drivers to avoid impairment, use proper restraints and ensure children are secured in appropriate car seats.
The charges are allegations, and Clawson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.