Louisiana State Troopers and Mississippi Bureau of Investigations have made an arrest in the I-10 Pearl River accident that killed an 18-wheeler driver.

Daniel Alex Coy, 25, of Gulfport MS, was arrested for felony hit-and-run, negligent homicide and negligent operation of a vehicle.

From the Louisiana State Police - Troop L - NEWS RELEASE Following an extensive investigation into the multi-vehicle fatal hit and run crash on the Interstate 10 Middle Pearl River Bridge Tuesday evening, LSP Troopers with the assistance of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations have identified and taken into custody 25 year-old Daniel Alex Coy of Gulfport, MS for his involvement in the crash. Coy was taken into custody earlier today and is currently being held at the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office in Biloxi, MS pending extradition to Louisiana.

Based on independent witness statements and on scene evidence, Troopers determined a dark blue Chevrolet Silverado registered to a subject in Gulfport, MS was at fault in the deadly crash. Through their continued investigation, Troopers confirmed that Daniel Alex Coy was the vehicle’s driver at the time of the crash. Working alongside detectives with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations, LSP Troopers obtained an arrest warrant charging Coy with Negligent Homicide, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and Felony Hit and Run.
Troopers’ initial on-scene investigation revealed the crash occurred shortly after 9:30 PM on Tuesday November 3rd, 2015, as 26 year old Steven Shawn Clark of Theodore, AL was operating a 2013 Freightliner 18-wheeler westbound on Interstate 10 in the left lane. Next to Clark’s vehicle, in the right lane, was a 2000 International 18-wheeler driven by 51 year-old Roberto Torrez of San Antonio, TX. As the 18-wheelers continued westbound on Interstate 10, Coy attempted to pass Torrez’s 18-wheeler on the right shoulder in his 1999 Chevrolet pickup truck. As Coy recklessly attempted to pass on the shoulder of the roadway, the vehicle approached the entrance to the bridge overpass and abruptly steered to the left to avoid the guardrail. Upon veering into the right westbound lane, the Chevrolet pickup impacted the front of Torrez’s 18-wheeler with its left driver’s side.

Following the impact, Torrez’s vehicle entered into the left lane and crashed into Clark’s vehicle. Clark’s 18-wheeler was pushed into and over the left cement barrier before finally crashing into the Pearl River. His remains were recovered with the assistance of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Dive Team. Clark was pronounced deceased on scene by the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office. Following the crash, Coy fled the scene continuing westbound on Interstate 10 towards Slidell.

“The poor decisions made by a reckless driver have forever changed the lives of the Clark family,” said Colonel Mike Edmonson, State Police Superintendent. “Whereas the loss of life will never be forgotten, we are grateful to have brought Mr. Coy to justice for his actions.”

The investigation is on-going and any additional charges will be referred to the St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office.

As emergency personnel, recovery crews, and DOTD representatives arrived to the crash scene Tuesday evening, both eastbound and westbound lanes of Interstate 10 remained closed due to the difficulty of the rescue/recovery process. The eastbound lanes were reopened shortly after 6:00 am and all westbound lanes reopened at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, November 4, 2015. This evening, personnel from ASAP Towing and Road Service will begin the recovery process of Clark’s 18 wheeler nearly completely submerged in the Pearl River. Initially, the recovery will be attempted utilizing equipment from the center median with no expected impact to interstate traffic. If the recovery efforts are not successful with the center median approach, further plans will be developed with information and any potential lane closures to be announced.
**Note** The identity of the driver of the 2000 International 18-wheeler has been updated due to initially incorrect information. The driver is now identified as 51 year-old Roberto Torrez of San Antonio, TX.

Contact Information:
TFC Dustin Dwight
Louisiana State Police – Troop L
Public Affairs Section
Office: (985) 893-6250
Dustin.Dwight@la.gov

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