WALKER, LA (WAFB) -
Walker Police say the crash that caused a two hour closure of I-12 and major traffic backups Tuesday night was caused by an impaired driver in a stolen car.
The crash happened around 7:45 p.m. about a mile west of Walker, LA on I-12 East.
The driver of an SUV was hit from behind by a car driven by John Sullivan, 31, of Denham Springs. The SUV hit the construction barrier, flipped and landed on its roof, blocking both eastbound lanes. Sullivan's car ended up in the tree line on the south side of the Interstate.
The unrestrained rear passenger of the SUV was ejected from the vehicle and landed in the median of the street. He was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The other two passengers in the SUV were not injured in the crash.
Several witnesses told police that Sullivan was traveling at a high rate of speed and swerving in and out of traffic prior to the accident.
Police say that Sullivan appeared to be impaired while they were questioning him. After a field sobriety test, he was placed under arrest for DWI. Police say he admitted to drinking six glasses of wine and had taken five Ativan tablets before the crash. Ativan is a schedule IV narcotic, available by prescription only.
Sullivan was taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries and to submit a blood sample for testing. While Sullivan was being treated for his injuries, Walker Police learned the car he was driving was stolen.
When he was released from the hospital, he was taken to the Livingston Parish Detention Center for booking. He was charged with DWI, possession of stolen things and reckless operation.
Police say results of the blood-alcohol test are pending, and additional charges are possible.
Sullivan remains in the Livingston Parish Detention Center on a $50,000.00 bond.
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John Sullivan (Source: Walker Police Department)
Vehicle Sullivan was driving
SUV involved in crash
