IBERIA PARISH, La. (KLFY) — At least 15 people were injured after authorities say a man crashed into a crowd gathered for a parade in Louisiana.
Police say the suspect, since identified as 57-year-old Todd Landry of Jeanerette, was driving recklessly before entering the Louisiana Lao New Year Festival parade route in Iberia Parish, about 20 miles southeast of Lafayette, on Saturday.
Authorities say about 15 people were injured in the crash. Two of those victims were listed in critical condition, while the remaining victims suffered minor injuries. All were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Curtis Cormier, who was at the festival, told Nexstar’s KFLY that he saw the driver apparently attempting a burnout just before the crash.
“The dude was trying to do a burn out almost, and he kind of lost control of his vehicle, it looked like,” Cormier recounted. “And then he just kind of ran into a crowd of people.”
Another witness said the vehicle eventually came to a stop in a ditch after striking people.
“He got stopped in the ditch. So I was going to go in and drag him out, but I was afraid he had a gun,” the witness said. “The cop dragged him out, so I ran up there and punched him in the jaw. Yeah, I’m the one who punched him in the jaw.”
According to Louisiana State Police, Landry showed signs of impairment during their investigation with a breath test revealing a blood alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit.
While the investigation remains ongoing, Landry was arrested and booked into the Iberia Parish jail on charges of driving while impaired (first offense), 18 counts of first-degree negligent injuring, careless operation, and open container.
Investigators previously said that Saturday’s incident did not appear to be an intentional act.
Organizers of the festival, which happens around Easter each year, released a statement saying in part: “We are profoundly saddened by the news of the incident near the festival grounds… We are praying for the victims and for their families during this difficult time.”
Meanwhile, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry offered his condolences, saying he and his wife, Sharon, were “praying for all those affected,” in addition to thanking first responders.
