CPSO deputy in critical condition following motorcycle crash

CALCASIEU PARISH, LA (KPLC) - A Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Deputy is hospitalized with serious injuries after being struck on his motorcycle by a car while off-duty Saturday night.

"I've been texting his mother back-and-forth and he's in very, very serious condition in a Lafayette hospital," said Mancuso. "We're just kind of hoping and praying. I guess if I were to ask the community for anything, it would be for their prayers because he's got a long road to recovery and it's going to be tough for him"

Sheriff Tony Mancuso got the call this weekend one of his deputies was down.

Deputy Parker Vaughan was off-duty, riding his motorcycle southbound in the inside lane on Ryan Street around 11 p.m. on Saturday, according to Lake Charles Police.

The crash report says the driver was in the inside lane heading north, attempting to turn left into the More 4 Less parking lot. The driver claims she did not see Vaughan and hit him.

Launched from his motorcycle, Mancuso says Vaughan suffered very serious injuries.

"He's got a lot of surgeries coming in the near future," said Mancuso. "He has some very serious injuries, a lot of broken bones, a punctured lung, some brain bleeding and so he's got a long ways to go. He really is in serious condition."

Mancuso says he's very close with the family. Vaughan grew up surrounded by law enforcement. His mother worked for LCPD and his father is a retired state trooper.

A full-time deputy of six years and a member of the dive team, Mancuso says Vaughan is hardworking and a good person.

"This isn't the first time something like this has happened to us, but it's kind of like our family," said Mancuso. "When one of us hurts, we all hurt, but the deputies have been very supportive. They've been over there. Our hearts are torn right now. It's gonna be a tough and long process."

The crash is still under investigation. Toxicology results for the driver are pending.

CPSO will be holding a blood drive for Vaughan from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Sheriff's Office.