Ponchatoula Man Arrested After Two People Thrown From Moving Truck, Deputies Say

ROBERT, La. — An 18-year-old Ponchatoula man has been arrested following an early-morning crash that left two people seriously injured in the Robert area, according to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded around 5 a.m. on August 2 to the 2300 block of Highway 190 after receiving a report of a medical emergency.

Investigators say 18-year-old Josean Martinez was driving a pickup truck with a 20-year-old man standing in the bed of the truck while a 17-year-old woman was hanging out of the rear passenger window.

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At some point, both reportedly lost their grip and were thrown from the moving vehicle.

Deputies arrived to find the man and woman lying along the side of the roadway with critical injuries. Both were transported to a hospital. The woman remains in critical condition, while the man is currently listed in serious condition.

According to investigators, neither Martinez nor a 13-year-old passenger called 911. Authorities say a passerby ultimately discovered the injured victims and called for emergency assistance after Martinez and the 13-year-old had already left the scene.

Deputies also allege Martinez attempted to hide the pickup truck following the incident.

Martinez was arrested and booked on two counts of negligent injury, failure to seek assistance, obstruction of justice, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and driving without a license.

The 13-year-old passenger was cited for failure to seek assistance.

Photo courtesy of the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office.