After a trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver refused to stop and a pursuit followed which ended in a fatal crash that claimed the life of the passenger, 33-year-old Kevin Arvie of Ville Platte shortly before 1:30 a.m. Saturday.
According to the news release from Louisiana State Police Troop I, the trooper attempted a traffic stop on a 2003 Saturn 200 for a traffic violation. The vehicle was being driven by 31-year-old Makenzie Dixon of Ville Platte. He initially pulled over on the shoulder then accelerated away leading to a pursuit. While fleeing at a high rate of speed on La. 10 near La. 106, Dixon failed to negotiate a curve and lost control of his vehicle. The vehicle traveled off the roadway, partially overturned, and struck a tree.
Arvie was unrestrained in the front passenger seat and sustained fatal injuries in the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Dixon was unrestrained and was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries. A toxicology sample was obtained and will be submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation and charges are pending.
In 2020, Troop I has investigated 20 fatal crashes resulting in 23 deaths.