Bogalusa man sentenced in 2023 fatal drunk driving crash

BOGALUSA, La. ( WGNO ) — A Bogalusa man was sentenced to 15 years in prison in the case of a fatal crash that claimed the life of an unborn baby.

According to the Office of District Attorney Collin Sims, on July 23, 2023, officers with the Bogalusa Police Department were called to the scene of a crash at 1:04 a.m. in the 600 block of Columbia Street.

An investigation of the scene determined that 27-year-old Charles Dyson was headed north on Columbia Street when, for unknown reasons, he crossed the center lane crashing head on into an oncoming vehicle.

Officers said upon impact, Dyson and his two passengers were ejected from the car leaving one dead and the other paralyzed from neck down.

Dyson also suffered serious injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

The driver of the second vehicle was an eight-month pregnant woman whose unborn child died as a result of the crash. Her passenger also suffered major injuries and was taken to hospitals with the other survivors.

Court documents noted Dyson’s speech was slurred as he spoke to officers and that there was a “strong odor of alcohol.”

Dyson’s blood alcohol level was recorded at 0.12%. Additionally, toxicology analysis results indicated THC was present in his blood system. Officers report Dyson had used marijuana before the crash.

The Louisiana State Police and Bogalusa Police Department determined Dyson was driving over 117 mph at the time of the crash.

On Sept. 23, Dyson was sentenced to 15 years in prison. His sentence includes 10 years for vehicular homicide and five years for third-degree feticide in addition to charges of third offense DWI and three counts of first-degree vehicular negligent injuring.

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