Bert Kouns Wreck Claims a Life
Shreveport Police are investigating a car crash in southeast Shreveport that claimed the life of a local woman Thursday morning.
SPD issued this release:
Just after 11:00 a.m. on September 13, 2018, Shreveport Police patrol officers were dispatched to a major accident in the 1600 block of East Bert Kouns Industrial Loop. As officers arrived at the scene of the crash, it was learned multiple vehicles, to include a 2012 Toyota Camry, 2013 Ford F550 and a commercial grade riding mower, were involved in the crash.
Investigators with the Shreveport Police Department’s Crash unit were called to the accident site and were able to gather additional information relative to the accident. Authorities learned the driver of the Ford F550, 33 year old Mark Gwin, was traveling west bound in the 1600 block East Bert Kouns, when the driver of the east bound Toyota, 18 year old Jaiden Kephart, attempted to turn left from the roadway onto a private parking lot, crossing into the path of the Ford. Following the collision between the two vehicles, both automobiles left the roadway, subsequently striking a man operating a riding mower. The operator of the mower was identified as 47 year old Rudy Chavez. Chavez, who suffered non –life-threatening injuries was taken to the hospital via ambulance. Gwin, who was not seriously injured in the crash, was taken to the Shreveport Police Department’s Selective Enforcement, where he voluntarily submitted to a chemical test. The Toyota was occupied by passengers, 22 year old Jared McCurdy, along with an adult female. Both Toyota passengers were taken to local hospitals where the woman later died and McCurdy remains in critical condition. In accordance to applicable state laws, a sample of Kephart’s blood was seized for testing. Impairment is suspected as a causative factor of the accident. Charges are pending laboratory results.