NEW ORLEANS — A woman was arrested in the fatal car chase that killed two West Jefferson High School teens, according to the New Orleans Police Department. NOPD said 31-year-old Joneaka Smooth turned herself in on Thursday afternoon.
She faces manslaughter and hit-and-run charges.
New Orleans police said a second teen has died from injuries suffered in a fatal car chase Wednesday night and authorities have identified the suspect in the incident.
Police are looking for 31-year-old Joneaka Smooth. Smooth is accused of causing a high-speed crash that killed two teenagers and left another injured after Smith's SUV slammed into their car on December 11. Smooth, who fled the scene, now faces manslaughter and hit-and-run charges, police said.
Thursday afternoon, Jefferson Parish Schools confirmed that the victims in the chase were students at West Jefferson High School.
The crash happened at about 7:39 p.m. on Interstate 610 East near the St. Bernard Avenue off-ramp.
JPSO deputies were called to a store inside Lakeside Mall after a group of women were caught stealing. An off-duty deputy saw the women fleeing the mall in a red SUV, according to a news release. The deputy then notified on-duty deputies via radio and followed the women near I-10 East.
A pursuit began but lasted less than one minute. The SUV crossed the Jefferson-Orleans parish line, prompting a JPSO supervisor to terminate the chase.
"All deputies turned off their overhead lights, and progressed to the St. Bernard Ave. exit to turn around and head back to Jefferson Parish," a release said. "The termination of the pursuit was documented by both radio transmission and in-vehicle cameras."
After crossing the Parish line, New Orleans police said Smooth was speeding in a 2013 Mercedes GLK when she exited the interstate. According to authorities, the vehicle failed to make a right turn onto St. Bernard Avenue, crossed two southbound lanes, and hit an elevated grassy median. The SUV became airborne and struck a 2022 Toyota Camry.
One 17-year-old high school student inside the Camry was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Two other teenage girls in the car were taken to a local hospital, where another 17-year-old victim later died from her injuries. The third teen remains hospitalized in stable condition, according to police.
Police said three women fled from the Mercedes after the Wednesday night crash. A 37-year-old woman, who was not identified by NOPD, was arrested nearby by Jefferson Parish deputies and turned over to New Orleans police for questioning. The woman was later booked on a shoplifting warrant out of Jefferson Parish and has not been charged in connection with the crash.
Jefferson Parish Schools issued the following statement Thursday afternoon:
"We are heartbroken to share that two students from West Jefferson High School tragically lost their lives in a car accident. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the families, friends, and loved ones of these students, as well as to the entire West Jefferson High School community during this incredibly difficult time.
"In times of tragedy, it is vital that we come together as a community to support one another. Counseling services are being provided to students and staff at West Jefferson High School to help them process their grief and cope with this loss.
"Jefferson Parish Schools will continue to prioritize the well-being of our students and staff as we navigate this tragedy together.
"We ask for respect and privacy for the families as they mourn their loss."
Authorities are urging Smooth to turn herself in. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact NOPD Traffic Fatality Unit detectives at (504) 658-6205 or Crimestoppers anonymously at (504) 822-1111.
This story is developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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