Ascension Parish, LA (February 3, 2026) – Two people were killed and two others injured in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 West near mile marker 179 on February 1. Louisiana State Police confirmed that the collision occurred around 8:30 p.m. when a 2022 Toyota RAV4 struck the rear of an unoccupied Gonzales Police Department unit. The police vehicle, which had its emergency lights activated, had been stationed in the left lane to help redirect traffic during an investigation of a separate crash. The victims, identified as Jose Luis Martinez II and Ashley Garza, both 32 and from Cincinnati, Ohio, suffered fatal injuries. Martinez II was pronounced dead at the scene, while Garza died at the hospital. Two other occupants of the RAV4, including the driver, sustained moderate injuries and were transported for treatment. Toxicology results are pending as the investigation continues.
Key Details
- Location: Ascension Parish, LA
- Where: I-10 West near Mile Marker 179
- Type: Two-Vehicle Crash Involving Police Unit
- Reported: February 1, 2026 at approximately 8:30 PM
- Injuries: Two fatalities, two moderate injuries
- Responding Agency: Louisiana State Police
What We Know So Far
- A 2022 Toyota RAV4 struck a stationary Gonzales Police unit on I-10 West.
- The police unit had its lights on and was directing traffic around a prior crash.
- Two people in the RAV4 were killed—one at the scene, the other at the hospital.
- Two other occupants were hospitalized with moderate injuries.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- Whether impairment or distraction contributed to the crash
- The current conditions of the injured survivors
- Exact speed or contributing mechanical factors involved
- Timeline for completion of the ongoing investigation
Local Context
Interstate 10 is a major corridor through southern Louisiana, and mile marker 179 in Ascension Parish sees frequent traffic flow and emergency response activity. When crashes occur on the interstate, law enforcement often uses patrol units to block lanes and manage scene safety. In this case, the Gonzales Police unit was parked with its emergency lights activated during an unrelated investigation. Despite those precautions, the westbound RAV4 collided with the vehicle, resulting in deadly consequences. The impact serves as a reminder of the risks emergency personnel and nearby drivers face during roadside incidents.
What to Do Next
- Drivers should reduce speed and change lanes when approaching emergency lights or crash scenes on highways.
- If you witnessed the incident, report any details to Louisiana State Police to assist the investigation.
- Families of victims may wish to request official crash reports for closure and further steps.
- Stay informed about investigation outcomes, especially if traveling regularly through active zones like I-10 West.
FAQ
Q: Why was the police vehicle parked on the interstate?
A: The unit was actively being used to direct traffic away from a separate crash scene and had its emergency lights on for visibility.
Q: Are drivers required to move over for emergency vehicles?
A: Yes. Louisiana law requires drivers to move over or slow down significantly when approaching emergency vehicles with lights activated.
Q: How long will the investigation take?
A: It varies by case. Full investigations can take weeks and typically include scene analysis, toxicology testing, and vehicle inspections.
