Baton Rouge, LA (February 25, 2025) – Three people were injured in a multi-vehicle crash involving an off-duty Louisiana State Police (LSP) captain early Tuesday morning.
According to Louisiana State Police, the crash occurred around 3:30 a.m. at Plank Rd and Harding Blvd intersection. The off-duty trooper, identified as 53-year-old Belinda Murphy, was driving a Chevrolet Tahoe southbound on Plank Rd when she allegedly disregarded a red light.
At the time, a fully marked Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD) unit and a Toyota Prius were turning left from Harding Blvd onto Plank Rd. Murphy’s Tahoe struck the BRPD unit, which then collided with the Prius.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported all three drivers, including Murphy, to a hospital with minor to moderate injuries.
Authorities stated that Murphy showed signs of impairment at the scene and voluntarily submitted a toxicology sample. Following the investigation, she was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle while impaired (1st offense), two counts of vehicular negligent injuring, and traffic-control signal violations.
Murphy was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison and placed on administrative leave. She has been with LSP since 2001.
Our thoughts are with those injured in this crash, and we hope for their full recovery.
DUI-Related Accidents in Louisiana
Driving under the influence is a serious offense that significantly increases the risk of injury or fatal crashes. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, poor judgment, and difficulty maintaining control of their vehicles.
According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC), DUI-related crashes result in hundreds of injuries and fatalities statewide each year. Running red lights and failing to obey traffic signals are common contributing factors in impaired-driving crashes, often leading to severe consequences.
Victims injured in DUI-related accidents may be eligible to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Louisiana law allows injured individuals to pursue legal claims if another driver’s negligence contributed to the crash. Seeking legal assistance can help ensure that victims understand their rights and receive the financial support they need to recover.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident involving an impaired driver, it is crucial to seek legal guidance.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.