re: Charges Possible In False River Party Barge Hit & Run

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Wildlife & Fisheries is investigating a boating accident that took place on False River in Pointe Coupee Parish Sunday, Aug. 8th around 4pm. Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff Rene Thibodeaux said deputies responded to a call for a boating accident on the river. He said witnesses on the pier told them two boats were traveling very close to each other when a party barge that was pulling children ended up turning directly behind another boat pulling three children on a tube. Officials say two of the three children were injured. One child went to Pointe Coupee General with minor injuries and a young boy had to be airlifted due to the severity of his injuries after he told officials he could not feel his arms or feet. Unfiltered with Kiran is told that child has a broken pelvis. Sources said the driver of the party barge that hit the children is Lafayette Parish Assistant District Attorney Chris Richard. Sources said Richard jumped in the water to help two children back on to boats but then asked a nearby jet ski driver to take him back to his own boat. Before authorities could arrive to the accident, Richard allegedly took his boat back, left the scene and drove back towards Lafayette. Officially, it remains under investigation whether Richard attempted to flee from the scene or if he had been drinking when the accident happened. Unfiltered with Kiran has calls into the Lafayette Parish District Attorney’s office as well as Wildlife & Fisheries for more information on the case.

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