Three-Vehicle Crash Kills Lake Charles Man

Suspected drunk driver faces multiple charges after fatal collision in Calcasieu Parish.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:06am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield or other damaged vehicle part, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the gritty, investigative nature of the incident.The aftermath of a tragic three-vehicle collision exposes the harsh realities of impaired driving and the need for greater road safety.Lake Charles Today

A 32-year-old Lake Charles man died in a three-vehicle collision on Thursday morning in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. Authorities said the driver of one of the vehicles, a 32-year-old man from Port Neches, Texas, crossed the centerline and sideswiped the two northbound vehicles, causing one to leave the roadway and overturn. The Lake Charles man was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the other northbound vehicle and four passengers sustained minor to moderate injuries.

Why it matters

Fatal car crashes involving suspected drunk drivers are an ongoing public safety issue in Louisiana, with the state consistently ranking among the highest in the nation for alcohol-related traffic fatalities. This incident highlights the need for continued education, enforcement, and policy changes to address impaired driving and improve road safety.

The details

According to police, the crash occurred around 6 a.m. on Thursday along La. Hwy 27 near the intersection of Hwy 397. Erick John, 32, of Lake Charles was driving northbound behind a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe when a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Alfonso Arredondo, 32, of Port Neches, Texas, crossed the centerline and sideswiped both northbound vehicles. After the impact, the Silverado left the roadway, entered a ditch, and overturned. John suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Hyundai and four passengers sustained minor to moderate injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Authorities observed signs of impairment from Arredondo and took him into custody, booking him on multiple charges including vehicular homicide, vehicular negligent injury, and DWI.

  • The crash occurred around 6 a.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • Authorities responded to the scene shortly after the crash.

The players

Erick John

A 32-year-old man from Lake Charles, Louisiana who was killed in the three-vehicle collision.

Alfonso Arredondo

A 32-year-old man from Port Neches, Texas who was driving the Chevrolet Silverado that crossed the centerline and caused the crash. He was arrested and booked on multiple charges.

Calcasieu Parish

The parish in Louisiana where the fatal crash occurred.

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The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the devastating consequences of impaired driving and the urgent need for continued efforts to combat drunk driving and improve road safety in Louisiana communities.