Iberia Parish, LA – Louisiana State Police are investigating a deadly head-on collision on Louisiana Highway 85 late Wednesday night that left one teen dead and resulted in the arrest of an allegedly impaired driver.
According to Louisiana State Police Troop I, the crash occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, on LA-85 just east of Burleigh Road. Troopers say an 18-year-old passenger in a Ford Fusion died at the scene after the vehicles collided.
Investigators report that a 2007 Jeep Liberty, driven by 29-year-old Cristian Garcia of New Iberia, was traveling west on LA-85 while a 2016 Ford Fusion was traveling east. For reasons still under investigation, troopers say the Ford attempted evasive action moments before the vehicles struck each other head-on.
The front-seat passenger of the Ford, identified as 18-year-old Garylon Brown of Jeanerette, sustained fatal injuries. Both drivers suffered minor injuries, troopers said. Investigators are still reviewing whether anyone in the crash was properly restrained.
State Police say Garcia showed signs of impairment during the on-scene investigation. He was arrested after providing a breath sample that allegedly showed a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit. Troopers booked him into the Iberia Parish Jail on charges including first-offense DWI, driving without insurance, and operating a vehicle without a valid license. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
Louisiana State Police emphasized that impaired driving—whether involving alcohol, drugs, or both—remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths on state roadways. Officials urged drivers to plan ahead, avoid impaired driving, and ensure all passengers are properly restrained.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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