NEW ORLEANS — The driver currently in custody at the Orleans Justice Center following a fatal crash that claimed the life of an on-duty DOTD Motor Assistance Patrol officer last month is now facing vehicular homicide charges.
According to the Louisiana State Police, toxicology results indicated the presence of illegal narcotics in Oscar G. Perez-Moran’s blood at the time of the crash. Based on these findings, Troopers upgraded Perez-Moran's charges.
Eric Anthony Jr was helping a driver change a tire near I-610 and Canal Boulevard when another car traveled off the roadway onto the right shoulder striking Anthony. He later died as a result of his injuries.
Perez-Moran was initially booked with negligent homicide and traffic violations.
The arresting officer said the suspect admitted to “smoking weed” the night before the crash.
The trooper also said he smelled marijuana in the suspect's vehicle and that he fell asleep during his initial interview and appeared sluggish.
“When it comes down to something like this, by law we have to get blood or breath samples from the drivers, everyone involved, every party involved, and we did that with Mr. Perez,” LSP spokesman Trooper Jacob Pucheu said.
