On Wednesday, September 13 at approximately 7:30 pm, officers with the Franklinton Police Department were requested by Deputy Sgt. John O’Hern of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office to assist with a vehicle crash at the intersection of La 25 and La 10.
When the officers arrived at the crash scene, they saw a white passenger car submerged and overturned in a body of water. Officers could hear the occupants inside screaming for help.
FPD Sergeant Trey Johnson, FPD Patrolman Jonathan Leche and WPSO Deputy John O’Hern entered the water and began the task of freeing the trapped occupants. While Sergeants Johnson and O’Hern lifted the vehicle, Patrolman Leche entered through a window and successfully extracted the three passengers. CPR was conducted on one of the occupants who was taken to Riverside Medical Center where he later died from his injuries.
Patrolman Leche sustained an injury to his hand during the extraction which required stitches.
The accident claimed the life of 44 year old Bobby Harriel of Ruth, Mississippi
Louisiana State Police Troop L is investigating the crash
Franklinton Police Chief Justin Brown said, “I commend the extraordinary efforts and teamwork displayed by all the officers involved. These men didn’t stand on the sidelines, they took action and risked their own lives so that others may live, their actions are indeed heroic.”
