18-wheeler driver charged in crash on I-12 that killed toddler

ALBANY, La. (WAFB) - An 18-wheeler driver has been arrested following a crash on I-12 East near Albany that resulted in the death of an 18-month-old on Thursday, April 7, according to Louisiana State Police.

Troopers said Gael Pacheco of Baton Rouge died from the injuries she suffered in the crash that left two others in that vehicle injured. They added Predrag Bisevac, 60, was booked into the Livingston Parish Jail on charges of negligent homicide and reckless operation.

The crash shut down I-12 East before Albany shortly after 8 a.m., according to LSP. All lanes were reopened just before noon.

Tpr. Taylor Scrantz said the initial investigation revealed Bisevac was on I-12 East in a 2020 Freightliner tractor-trailer when, for reasons still under investigation, he failed to stop as traffic was stopped in front of him and rear-ended a 2010 Ford F-150. He added Pacheco was sitting in the back seat of the truck at the time of the crash.

Investigators said everyone involved in the crash was wearing seat belts but the driver and another passenger in the truck were taken to the hospital with moderate injuries, while Bisevac had minor injuries.

They added impairment is not suspected as a factor in the crash but as with all deadly crashes on Louisiana highways, a blood sample was taken from Bisevac and sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis.

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