April 1, 2002

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Man Sustains Serious Injuries After Crashing Stolen Vehicle into 18-Wheeler

Firefighters took 15 minutes and used the Jaws of Life to remove man from vehicle

A Shreveport man who allegedly stole a vehicle in the 3000 block of Moorningside Drive sustained serious injuries after crashing the auto into an 18-wheeler minutes later. The accident occurred at 1:40 p.m. this afternoon in the 3500 block of Mansfield Road. The stolen vehicle, an older model Buick, traveling south on Mansfield, reportedly lost control and slammed its front driver’s side into the front of the truck that was traveling north on Mansfield. Firefighters took more than 15 minutes and had to cut the suspect, Juan McCray, 20, of Shreveport, out of the crumpled vehicle.

The driver of the truck, Michael Taylor, 46, from Keithville, told officials that he was preparing to turn into a business when he noticed the Buick traveling at a high rate of speed from the opposite direction. Taylor said that he stopped his rig just across the yellow line because he knew he would not be able to make it across before the car arrived. McCray was treated and transported by department paramedics to LSUHSC with what were described as moderate to serious facial injuries. Taylor was evaluated by EMTs at the scene but not transported to the hospital.

The stolen car’s owner, Jason Whitehead, 30, of Shreveport, said that he and some friends were working on another vehicle, when someone coming out of the residence told him that his car was being stolen. Whitehead then called 911 and along with another man followed the suspect onto Mansfield Road. Whitehead said the suspect began to lose control of the vehicle as his speed increased prior to the accident. Shreveport Police have charged McCray with three counts: 1. Vehicular theft, 2. Careless and reckless driving, and 3. No driver’s license. McCray will be booked into city jail following his release from the hospital. ###