LCPD unit involved in accident, driver suffers minor injuries

LAKE CHARLES, LA (KPLC) - A Lake Charles Police Department unit was involved in a two-vehicle accident on La. 397, near the Cameron/Chloe exit, on Tuesday, Dec. 13, authorities confirmed.

The officer, Corporal Gary Benoit, suffered minor injuries, said Sgt. James Anderson, Louisiana State Police Troop D spokesman. The officer was initially trapped in the vehicle but was able to be removed.

The driver of the other vehicle, Andrew Machek Jr., 19, of Leesville, was not injured, Anderson said. He was cited for failure to yield while making a left turn at an intersection.

Machek was driving a 2009 Chevrolet pickup truck and Benoit was driving an LCPD 2014 Dodge Charger.

Machek was traveling north on La. 397 shortly before 9:30 a.m. when he turned left into the path of Benoit, Anderson said.

"The Charger overturned several times before coming to rest on the driver's side, trapping Corporal Benoit in the vehicle," Anderson said. "A good Samaritan rendered aid at the scene until first responders arrived."

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The crash remains under investigation.

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