Two Killed in I‑10 Crash Involving Gonzales Police Unit | Feb 1, 2026

Facts our law firm has been able to confirm about this accident:

Summary

Louisiana State Police say a Toyota RAV4 hit the rear of an unoccupied, marked Gonzales Police Department Tahoe that was positioned in the left lane with emergency lights activated on I-10 West in Ascension Parish on February 1, 2026 (near the Gonzales Burnside exit).^{[^1][^2][^3]}
Two rear-seat passengers, Jose Luis Martinez II and Ashley Garza (both 32), died; the Toyota’s driver and front-seat passenger were hospitalized with moderate injuries.^{[^1][^2][^3]}
State Police report the crash remains under investigation, including why the collision occurred and whether impairment was a factor.^{[^1]}

What we know so far

• The crash was reported on I-10 west near milepost 179 in Ascension Parish on February 1, 2026, just before 8:30 p.m.^{[^1][^2][^3]}
• Louisiana State Police identified the vehicles as a Toyota RAV4 and a fully marked Gonzales Police Department Chevrolet Tahoe.^{[^1][^2][^3]}
• The police Tahoe was described as unoccupied and positioned with emergency lights activated while officers investigated a separate crash.^{[^1][^2][^3]}
• Two people from Cincinnati, Ohio—Jose Luis Martinez II (32) and Ashley Garza (32)—were reported dead.^{[^1][^2][^3]}
• Martinez (rear-left passenger) was reported properly restrained and pronounced dead at the scene; Garza (rear-right passenger) was reported properly restrained, taken to a hospital, and later died.^{[^1][^2][^3]}
• The Toyota’s driver and front-seat passenger were reported properly restrained, transported to a hospital, and described as having moderate injuries.^{[^1][^2][^3]}
• Reporting identified the area as I-10 westbound near the Gonzales Burnside exit.^{[^2][^4]}

What’s still being investigated / not confirmed

• State Police reported that the reason the Toyota struck the parked police unit is still under investigation.^{[^1]}
• State Police reported impairment was unknown at the time of the release and that toxicology testing would be performed.^{[^1]}
• The sources we reviewed did not publicly identify the Toyota’s driver or front-seat passenger by name as of our research date.^{[^1][^2][^3]}
• No additional details about the earlier crash being investigated at the scene were included in the State Police release.^{[^1]}

Where this happened

Louisiana State Police reported the crash occurred on Interstate 10 west near milepost 179 in Ascension Parish, in the Gonzales area.^{[^1]}
News coverage described the location as near the Gonzales Burnside exit on I-10 westbound.^{[^2][^4]}

Official agencies involved & how crash reports typically work in Louisiana

In this incident, Louisiana State Police Troop A reported responding and investigating.^{[^1]}
In Louisiana, the investigating agency is typically the best starting point for obtaining a crash report (for example, State Police on some highways and interstates, and local agencies within city limits).^{[^12]}

For crashes investigated by Louisiana State Police, the State’s crash report portal explains that reports are generally available after roughly 10–15 business days once approved, and it also states that fatal crash reports are not available online through that portal.^{[^12]}
Louisiana State Police’s Traffic Records Unit also explains that fatal crash reports can only be purchased in person at a local Troop office (and provides additional timing information for requests).^{[^13]}

Background about these types of accidents

Crashes involving emergency vehicles stopped on or near the roadway raise unique safety risks for first responders and the public. Louisiana has a “move over / slow down” rule that requires drivers on multi-lane roads to move into a non-adjacent lane when approaching a parked emergency or service vehicle using authorized visual signals when it is safe to do so; if a lane change is not possible, the statute requires slowing to a reasonably safe speed.^{[^11]}

The official information released in this case states the police unit’s emergency lights were activated while officers worked a separate crash.^{[^1]}
Regardless of what the final investigation finds, slowing down, staying alert near flashing lights, and giving responders room can help reduce the risk of secondary collisions in active scenes.^{[^11]}

Seat belt use matters for everyone in the vehicle, including the back seat. The CDC summarizes that seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about half, and NHTSA data continues to show a large share of crash fatalities involve unrestrained occupants.^{[^14][^15]}
Research summarized by IIHS also supports meaningful protection from belts for rear-seat passengers when properly worn.^{[^16]}

Steps that can help after a suspected hit-and-run

This I-10 Gonzales crash has not been reported as a hit-and-run in the sources we reviewed.^{[^1]}
Still, many families searching for information after serious crashes are also dealing with unknown drivers in other incidents, so here are general, safety-first steps that are commonly recommended.

• Get to a safe location and call 911 if anyone may be injured or if traffic hazards exist.^{[^18]}
• Try to note identifying details (vehicle description, partial plate, direction of travel) without chasing the other vehicle.^{[^18]}
• Ask witnesses for contact information and check for nearby cameras (businesses, homes, dash cams) if it’s safe to do so.^{[^18]}
• Request that law enforcement make an official report; Louisiana’s hit-and-run statute focuses on a driver’s duty to stop, identify themselves, and render aid (or report to police).^{[^19]}
• Document what you can (photos, time, location, and a short written timeline) and follow up with the investigating agency for report information when available.^{[^17][^12]}

Legal information after a crash in Louisiana

Important: The following is general legal information, not legal advice. Deadlines and rules can differ based on the details of a crash, and Louisiana law can change over time.

Comparative fault in Louisiana

Louisiana’s comparative fault rule (Civil Code art. 2323) requires fault percentages to be determined for people who caused or contributed to the harm, and the article was amended effective January 1, 2026 to adopt a “51%” threshold: if an injured person is found 51% or more at fault, the statute states they are not entitled to recover damages; if less than 51%, damages are reduced proportionally.^{[^5]}
This summary reflects the statute as published on February 22, 2026; always verify the current text and how it applies to your situation.^{[^5]}

Louisiana deadlines for injury and fatal crash claims

Louisiana’s general prescriptive period for many injury-related “delictual actions” is two years from the day the injury or damage is sustained (Civil Code art. 3493.1).^{[^6]}
This reflects the statute as published on February 22, 2026, and exceptions can apply (including special rules for certain case types).^{[^6]}

For fatal crashes, Louisiana law also provides separate “survival” and “wrongful death” causes of action for certain family members, each with its own prescriptive language (Civil Code arts. 2315.1 and 2315.2).^{[^7][^8]}
These statutes include prescriptive provisions that, as published on February 22, 2026, reference one year from death or two years from the day injury or damage is sustained (whichever is longer) for many situations; the exact application can be fact-specific, so confirm current law for your circumstances.^{[^7][^8]}

Uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage

Louisiana’s uninsured motorist statute (R.S. 22:1295) generally governs when UM coverage must be included in an auto policy unless properly rejected or modified, and it describes UM’s role in protecting insured people who are legally entitled to recover damages from uninsured or underinsured drivers.^{[^9]}
UM rules can be technical and policy-specific; this is a general overview based on the statute as published on February 22, 2026.^{[^9]}

When a government vehicle is involved

The official State Police release describes a fully marked Gonzales Police Department vehicle being struck while positioned with emergency lights activated.^{[^1]}
When a claim involves a state agency or political subdivision, Louisiana has additional statutes that can affect venue and damage limits, including R.S. 13:5106, which sets a $500,000 cap for certain categories of damages in many suits against the state or political subdivisions (with statutory details and exceptions).^{[^10]}
This is general information based on the statute as published on February 22, 2026; confirm how any limits apply to the specific parties and claims in a given case.^{[^10]}

How these rules may apply here (based on what’s confirmed so far)

Based on the confirmed information, the crash involved a Toyota striking the rear of an unoccupied, marked police unit that was positioned with emergency lights activated while officers investigated another crash.^{[^1]}
Because the reasons for the collision are still under investigation, no one should assume how fault will be allocated until investigators and evidence are reviewed.^{[^1]}

In serious crashes, practical details can matter later even when fault is unclear: photographs taken soon after the event (when safe), witness contact information, and preserving any available video (dash cam, nearby businesses, or other recordings) can help clarify what happened without relying on assumptions. General safety guidance also emphasizes documenting key details after a crash and limiting speculation while an investigation proceeds.^{[^17]}

If a family is dealing with a fatal crash, Louisiana’s survival and wrongful death statutes outline who may have the right to bring certain claims and the time limits that may apply, which makes it especially important to get reliable information early and avoid missed deadlines.^{[^7][^8]}
The applicable deadline and claimant class can depend on family relationships and other facts, and the law should be confirmed as of the date you are evaluating the claim.^{[^7][^8]}

How we can help

If you or your family was affected by a serious crash in Ascension Parish or along the I-10 Gonzales corridor, Babcock Injury Lawyers can help you understand the next practical steps and gather the documents that tend to matter (such as crash report information, available photos/video, and insurance information). We can also communicate with insurance carriers and help you evaluate potential sources of coverage without rushing you into decisions.

We do not promise outcomes. Our role is to help you get clear information, avoid preventable missteps, and understand options under Louisiana law based on the facts that can be proven.

About the author

Stephen Babcock is a Louisiana trial lawyer and the author of this article. He is listed in Best Lawyers for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs and is described there as having earned a B.S. from Louisiana Tech University and a J.D. from the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center.^{[^20]}
Babcock Injury Lawyers is listed in Super Lawyers’ directory as a Baton Rouge-based firm.^{[^21]}

How this article was prepared (methodology)

Date of research: February 22, 2026.

Sources checked: Louisiana State Police (Troop A) news release(s) and public-facing report guidance; local news coverage (WBRZ and WAFB); and official Louisiana statutes relevant to crash investigations and claims. We also reviewed reputable safety sources (CDC, NHTSA, IIHS) for general background on seat belts and roadway safety.^{[^1][^2][^3][^5][^6][^7][^8][^10][^11][^12][^13][^14][^15][^16]}

If additional official details are released (for example, an updated investigative finding or additional identifications), we will update this post to reflect confirmed information and clearly note what changed.^{[^1]}

Sources & further reading

Primary/Official

• Louisiana State Police (Troop A) news release on this crash.^{[^1]}
• Louisiana State Police crash report portal and guidance on availability/limitations for fatal crashes.^{[^12][^13]}
• Louisiana law: Comparative fault (Civil Code art. 2323).^{[^5]}
• Louisiana law: General two-year prescriptive period for delictual actions (Civil Code art. 3493.1).^{[^6]}
• Louisiana law: Survival and wrongful death actions (Civil Code arts. 2315.1 and 2315.2).^{[^7][^8]}
• Louisiana law: Move over / passing parked emergency vehicles (R.S. 32:125).^{[^11]}
• Louisiana law: Uninsured motorist coverage (R.S. 22:1295).^{[^9]}
• Louisiana law: Limitations in many suits against the state or political subdivisions (R.S. 13:5106).^{[^10]}
• CDC and NHTSA seat belt safety resources.^{[^14][^15]}

News coverage

• WBRZ reporting on the crash and investigation.^{[^2][^4]}
• WAFB reporting on the crash and investigation.^{[^3]}

Corrections

If you believe something is inaccurate, contact pnc@stephenbabcock.com and we’ll review and update.

Footnotes

1. Louisiana State Police, “Two Killed in Ascension Parish Crash on Interstate 10” (Published Feb. 2, 2026), https://lsp.org/community-outreach/news/two-killed-in-ascension-parish-crash-on-interstate-10/
2. WBRZ, “LSP investigating crash that left 2 people from Ohio dead after colliding with Gonzales PD unit on I-10” (Published Feb. 2, 2026), https://www.wbrz.com/news/lsp-investigating-crash-that-left-2-people-from-ohio-dead-after-colliding-with-gonzales-pd-unit-on-i-10/
3. WAFB, “Two dead after SUV collides with Gonzales Police cruiser” (Published Feb. 2, 2026), https://www.wafb.com/2026/02/02/two-dead-after-suv-collides-with-gonzales-police-cruiser/
4. WBRZ, “Driver crashed into marked police car along I-10 at Gonzales Burnside” (Published Feb. 1, 2026), https://www.wbrz.com/news/driver-crashed-into-marked-police-car-along-i-10-at-gonzales-burnside/
5. Louisiana State Legislature, Louisiana Civil Code art. 2323 (Comparative fault; amended effective Jan. 1, 2026 as shown on the page), https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/law.aspx?d=109387
6. Louisiana State Legislature, Louisiana Civil Code art. 3493.1 (Delictual actions; two-year prescription; effective July 1, 2024 as shown on the page), https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=1386443
7. Louisiana State Legislature, Louisiana Civil Code art. 2315.1 (Survival action; prescriptive language shown on the page), https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109370
8. Louisiana State Legislature, Louisiana Civil Code art. 2315.2 (Wrongful death action; prescriptive language shown on the page), https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109371
9. Louisiana State Legislature, Louisiana Revised Statutes 22:1295 (Uninsured motorist coverage), https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=508161
10. Louisiana State Legislature, Louisiana Revised Statutes 13:5106 (Limitations; cap language shown on the page), https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=77934
11. Louisiana State Legislature, Louisiana Revised Statutes 32:125 (Procedure on approach of an authorized emergency vehicle; passing a parked emergency vehicle), https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=88033
12. Louisiana State Police Crash Reports Portal, “Louisiana State Police Non-Toll Road Report Number Requests” (FAQ and availability notes; fatal crash reports not available online), https://crashreports.dps.la.gov/
13. Louisiana State Police, Traffic Records Unit (report processing and purchase guidance, including fatal crash report purchase notes), https://lsp.org/about/leadershipsections/support/bcii/traffic-records-unit/
14. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Facts About Seat Belt Use” (Jan. 27, 2026), https://www.cdc.gov/seat-belts/facts/index.html
15. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Seat Belt Safety: Buckle Up America” (page accessed Feb. 22, 2026), https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/seat-belts
16. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), “Seat belts” (page accessed Feb. 22, 2026), https://www.iihs.org/research-areas/seat-belts
17. AAA Insurance, “What to Do After a Car Accident” (page accessed Feb. 22, 2026), https://mwg.aaa.com/insurance/car/articles/what-to-do-after-car-accident
18. AAA Club Alliance, “Involved In A Hit And Run Accident? What To Do Next” (Oct. 13, 2023), https://cluballiance.aaa.com/the-extra-mile/advice/car/involved-in-a-hit-and-run-accident-what-to-do-next
19. Louisiana State Legislature, Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:100 (Hit-and-run driving), https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/law.aspx?d=78226
20. Best Lawyers, “Stephen Babcock – Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs Lawyer – Baton Rouge, LA” (page accessed Feb. 22, 2026), https://www.bestlawyers.com/lawyers/stephen-babcock/126253
21. Super Lawyers, “Babcock Injury Lawyers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana” (page accessed Feb. 22, 2026), https://profiles.superlawyers.com/louisiana/baton-rouge/lawfirm/babcock-injury-lawyers/033e9727-54a6-40a6-a008-d7b82a67714e.html