On July 5, 2025, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a three-vehicle crash on Airline Drive near North Willow Drive. The crash claimed the life of 41-year-old Byron Smith of Shreveport.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a Nissan Altima, driven by 24-year-old Scarlett Jackson of Mansfield, was traveling south on Airline Drive, in the left lane. At the same time, a Kawasaki motorcycle, driven by Smith, was traveling south on Airline Drive in the right lane. For reasons still under investigation, the Nissan made a right turn into a private driveway from the left lane and collided with the motorcycle and a vehicle exiting the private driveway, which was occupied by another motorist.
Smith, who was wearing a DOT-approved helmet at the time of the crash, was ejected from the motorcycle and pronounced deceased at the scene. Jackson, who was properly restrained, was uninjured. The occupant of the vehicle exiting the private driveway was properly restrained and uninjured.
During the investigation, impairment on the part of Jackson was suspected. Jackson was subsequently placed under arrest and processed in the Bossier Parish Maximum Security Jail for vehicular homicide, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and failure to yield. Standard toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Alcohol and drug impairment remain a contributing factor in nearly half of all fatal crashes in Louisiana. These substances severely impact your awareness, decision-making abilities, and reaction times, leading to devastating consequences on the road. Troopers wish to remind motorists of the importance of making good decisions while operating a motor vehicle. Never drive while impaired, fatigued, or distracted, and obey all traffic laws. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions like these can mean the difference between life and death.