The Advocate
NEW ORLEANS — The vehicle that struck and killed off-duty New Orleans police officer Tony Mitchell was struck from behind, leading to the collision that threw him over a guard rail, according to a release from the Louisiana State Police.
Mitchell, 45, had exited his vehicle Friday morning on the shoulder of the Westbank Expressway after his truck suffered mechanical problems. State Police said Mitchell was flagging traffic around his vehicle when a Waggaman woman, identified as 35-year-old Jennifer Williams, stopped to move into the center lane.
After Williams stopped, a New Orleans woman, identified as 23-year-old Courtney Slugher, collided with Williams’ vehicle, forcing her into Mitchell.
Mitchell, a 19-year NOPD veteran from Harvey, fell 40 feet to ground level and was pronounced dead on scene.
Williams and her 1-year-old son suffered minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital.
No impairment is suspected in the crash, but speed is believed to be a factor, according to State Police. The crash remains under investigation, and criminal charges are pending.