Police Officer Arrested After Fatal Traffic Collision

Baton Rouge Police Department AlertPhoto byBaton Rouge Police Department Facebook page

Baton Rouge was gripped by a somber twist of fate as one of its own, 28-year-old Baton Rouge Police Officer Sharmaine Buckley, found herself in custody due to her involvement in a tragic traffic accident that resulted in the untimely death of a man in late October. The incident unfolded when Officer Buckley, operating her marked patrol vehicle, disregarded a red traffic signal at the intersection of Government Street and South Foster Drive, approximately at 10:30 p.m. on October 20. Her patrol car collided with the rear of a black Chevrolet Impala, driven by 38-year-old Caleb James Chappetta, who tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Officer Buckley now faces legal consequences as she was subsequently incarcerated in the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Charges levied against her include negligent homicide, two counts of negligent injuring, reckless operation of a vehicle, and reckless operation of emergency vehicles. An arrest warrant casts a revealing light on the incident, revealing that she had activated her lights and sirens while responding to a call for assistance from fellow officers in the vicinity. However, during this response, she breached the red traffic light, traveling at a speed of approximately 79 mph, far exceeding the 40 mph speed limit.

The arrest report further underscores the officer's actions, highlighting that Officer Buckley entered the intersection despite the red traffic signal, failing to yield or clear the crossing before proceeding, ultimately leading to the tragic collision with the victim. Notably, a passenger in the officer's vehicle suffered severe injuries, and an unrelated driver endured moderate injuries during the ensuing chain reaction, which involved six additional vehicles.

This calamitous episode took place during a response to reports of gunfire in the area, a situation that had compelled the police department to issue a call for assistance. Officers were responding to the sound of gunfire from multiple individuals in the vicinity of South 16th and Government Streets.

Officer Sharmaine Buckley, a dedicated two-year veteran of the Baton Rouge Police Department, served within the Uniform Patrol Division and has now been placed on administrative leave as authorities conduct a thorough investigation. The incident continues to unfold, leaving both the community and law enforcement with a profound impact and many unanswered questions.

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Attributions

9 WAFB

Baton Rouge Police Department

The Advocate