On March 12, 2013, shortly after 1:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop G investigated a one vehicle crash on Interstate 20 in Bienville Parish, about 2 miles west of LA Highway 154, that seriously injured a Ruston Man. 

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by 25-year-old Gabriel Murphy of Ruston was traveling west on Interstate 20 when his right rear tire blew out causing the vehicle exit the roadway, enter the median, and overturn.

Neither Murphy nor his passenger, 22 year-old Reva Johnson of Quitman, was wearing a seatbelt.  Murphy was ejected from the vehicle and sustained severe injuries during the crash.  Johnson was not ejected, but was pinned in the vehicle, and sustained moderate injuries during the crash.

Both Murphy and Johnson were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Impairment is not a suspected factor in this crash.  This crash remains under investigation.

The majority of fatal and serious injury crashes involve occupants who are not wearing seat belts.  Troopers would like to remind motorists of the importance of being properly restrained at all times in every seating position in the vehicle.   Buckle up Louisiana.  Every trip.  Every time.