Two young girls were killed instantly after a police officer ran a red light during a high-speed chase on New Year’s Eve.
The tragic incident took place in Brusly, Louisiana, where the police were pursuing 24-year-old home-invasion suspect Tyquel Zanders in a high-speed chase.
According to the reports, the suspect was driving in a stolen vehicle after stealing the keys to the car from a family in Baton Rouge.
While speeding up to 110 mph and running several red lights, the suspect was chased by Addis Police Officer David Cauthron who pursued the suspect on the state highway.
During the chase, the officer allegedly ran a red light and slammed into a civilian vehicle at 86 mph.
In the crash, two teenage girls were killed instantly while the third passenger suffered severe injuries.
The two deceased victims have since been identified as 16-year-old Caroline Gill and 17-year-old Maggie Dunn.
Officer Cauthron has since been arrested and charged with two counts of negligent homicide on top of a count of negligent injury.
Meanwhile, the authorities also arrested the home-invasion and carjacking suspect after the car he was driving in was stalled.
Zanders was charged with home invasion, vehicle theft, aggravated flight, and two counts of manslaughter.
As District Attorney Tony Clayton told local station WBRZ, both the suspect as well as the police officer involved in the crash resulting in the deaths of innocent civilians will be held accountable for their actions.
“That cop has a lot of questions to answer pertaining to his speed and sheer negligence. The public can rest assured, we will follow the facts,” he explained.
“For these kids to not have been able to start the New Year is inexcusable, but we’ll follow the facts first. I just can’t put my arms around why the officer was driving at that rate of speed in pursuit of this vehicle. This officer is facing some serious issues.
“If it involves putting human life in danger, stop the damn pursuit. It’s just not worth the risk.”
Speaking of the suspect’s involvement in the tragic deaths, Clayton added: “He put the chain of events into play. He’s responsible for all the reactions to his actions. He’s facing two counts, and if that poor kid doesn’t survive, he’ll face another.”
Our thoughts are with Caroline and Maggie’s families and the family of the third passenger.
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