On August 16, 2025, around 5:30 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to Interstate 10 westbound near Louisiana Highway 108 after receiving multiple reports of vehicles striking a construction crane in a work zone. The investigation led to the arrest of 37-year-old Matthew Vincent of Vinton.
The preliminary investigation revealed that while a construction crane was positioned in the median, its cables were hanging over the westbound lanes of I-10 and struck a passing vehicle. Following the initial impact, three additional crashes occurred. These incidents resulted in two reported injuries, major damage to the crane, significant property damage, and a prolonged closure of the interstate. Troopers also determined that at the time of the incident, construction work was not in progress and the crane was not being operated by construction personnel.
Detectives with the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations – Sulphur Field Office were called to assist. While processing the scene, detectives recovered a Ram pickup truck key fob inside the crane. A short time later, Troopers located a Ram pickup truck stuck in a field just south of I-10 near the crash site. Vincent, identified as the owner of the truck, was found nearby, and the key fob was confirmed to belong to his vehicle.
Further investigation revealed that Vincent had driven his Ram pickup off LA Hwy 108 near I-10, through a field, where it became stuck. Abandoning the vehicle, Vincent crossed the interstate and unlawfully entered the crane positioned in the work zone. Once inside, he manipulated the crane boom over the westbound lanes of I-10, obstructing traffic and causing the crashes.
Vincent was placed under arrest and processed into the Calcasieu Correctional Center on the following charges:
• One count of LA R.S. 14:62 – Simple Burglary
• One count of LA R.S. 14:96 – Aggravated Obstruction of a Highway
• Two counts of LA R.S. 14:39 – Negligent Injuring
• Five counts of LA R.S. 14:100 – Hit and Run Driving
• One count of LA R.S. 14:59 – Criminal Mischief
• One count of LA R.S. 32:216(B) – Pedestrian on the Interstate
LSP detectives are still investigating this incident and looking into the possibility of an accomplice. Anyone who may have been in the area prior to this incident and observed suspicious activity is urged to contact Louisiana State Police detectives. You may anonymously report information through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system by visiting lsp.org and clicking on Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity, or calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.
Social Media