LPJ Staff Report
A motorist allegedly attempting a U-turn on Interstate 20 in Ruston led to his serious injuries when he collided with an ambulance early Saturday morning, according to the report released by the Ruston Police Department on Tuesday.
At about 2:06 a.m. on August 1, Ruston Police officers responded to a multi-vehicle crash on I-20 westbound near exit 84 (LA Tech/Cooktown Road exit).
When officers arrived, they located Brenden Barmore, 18, of Dubach, unresponsive on the shoulder of the highway. RPD Lt. Kayla Loyd said Barmore was transported by air to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport with serious injuries.
According to family sources, Barmore suffered fractures and a head injury. The family has asked for prayers for his recovery.
Due to the severity of the crash, a crash reconstructionist was called to the scene to assist with the investigation.
During the investigation, officers determined that, for reasons that remain unknown, Barmore allegedly entered the I-20 exit 84 off-ramp traveling in the wrong direction—east in the westbound lanes. After realizing he was traveling the wrong way, Barmore pulled over and attempted to make a U-turn on the interstate.
Loyd said while Barmore was attempting the U-turn, an Acadian Ambulance traveling westbound on I-20 struck his vehicle. After the impact, the ambulance spun and struck the guardrail, while Barmore’s truck spun and came to rest in the middle of the interstate. Barmore’s vehicle was then struck by a third vehicle.
Officers contacted the driver of the third vehicle, identified as Alejandro Beltran, 37, of Fort Worth, Texas. During the investigation, officers detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Beltran. Beltran agreed to perform standardized field sobriety tests. He performed poorly on the tests, according to RPD.
Beltran was arrested and taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center where a breath test was administered. The test showed Beltran’s blood alcohol content to be 0.155 g%, nearly twice the Louisiana legal limit. Beltran was booked for first offense DWI and no driver’s license.
Loyd said two Acadian Ambulance employees were taken to Northern Louisiana Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. A patient being transported by the ambulance was uninjured in the crash. A local Pafford EMS ambulance picked up the patient and resumed the transport.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing. RPD said additional information will be released as it becomes available.
In a written statement, Ruston Police reminds “impaired driving puts everyone on the road at risk. If you plan to drink, make a plan before you get behind the wheel. Designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or find another safe way home. One decision can change multiple lives.”
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
