Two crashes in west Caddo Parish cause traffic headache; 2 fatalities confirmed

CADDO PARISH, La. (KSLA) - A portion of U.S. Highway 80 in west Shreveport was shutdown for some time following a fiery crash that happened on the afternoon of Friday, May 27.

The crash took place just before noon at Hwy. 80 at I-20. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Deputies quickly discovered two vehicles were on fire and third vehicle was destroyed. Initial investigation revealed a gray pickup truck was driving eastbound when it crossed into oncoming traffic and hit another pickup head-on. Then, a third vehicle crashed into the back of the second truck.

The wrong-way driver ended up on the side of the road, while the other two vehicles were on fire. Two people were transported to an area hospital. On Thursday, June 9, the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office said James Ellis Dowden, 56, of Shreveport was killed in the wreck. Dowden was positively identified through dental records; an autopsy was performed.

Deputies are awaiting results to determine if the wrong-way driver was intoxicated.

Crews also responded to the scene of another crash on I-20 E near mile marker 5. The Greenwood Police Department responded to this wreck, and confirms it involved a motorcycle and an 18-wheeler. The motorcycle driver was pronounced dead on the scene.

On Wednesday, June 1, the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office identified that victim as Gregory Keith Roseman, 63. Coroner’s office officials say he was headed eastbound on I-20 on his motorcycle when he hit the side of an 18-wheeler near Highway 169 near Greenwood. He went under the truck and was dragged. An autopsy has been ordered.

The crashes remain under investigation.

Copyright 2022 KSLA. All rights reserved.