Bell City, Louisiana – A three-vehicle crash in Calcasieu Parish left one man dead and led to an arrest early Thursday.
According to Louisiana State Police Troop D, the crash occurred shortly before 6 a.m. April 9 on Louisiana Highway 27 near Louisiana Highway 397. Troopers said the collision involved a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe, and a 2000 Buick Park Avenue.
Investigators allege the Silverado driver, identified as 32-year-old Alfonso Arredondo of Port Neches, Texas, crossed the centerline for reasons still under investigation and sideswiped the Hyundai and Buick before losing control. The vehicle then exited the roadway, entered a ditch, and overturned.
Authorities said the Buick driver, 32-year-old Erick John of Lake Charles, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was reportedly properly restrained at the time of the crash.
The driver and four passengers in the Hyundai were also properly restrained and transported to a local hospital with minor to moderate injuries.
State Police reported that Arredondo showed signs of impairment and was arrested at the scene. He was booked into the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center on multiple charges, including vehicular homicide, negligent injury, and driving while intoxicated.
Officials said toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.
One note of relevance: early morning crashes like this can affect commuter routes along Highway 27 during peak travel hours.
