A police officer has been charged for his role in the deaths of two teenagers during high-speed pursuit of an alleged home burglary in Louisiana.
Officer David Cauthron, who works for Addis Municipality Police, was arrested Sunday night, WBRZ reported.
He faces two counts of involuntary manslaughter and one negligent injury, District Attorney Tony Clayton told the station.
It was not clear Monday if Cauthron had an attorney speaking on his behalf.
Maggie Dunn, 17, and Caroline Gill, 16, were killed after the car they were in was hit by a police car being driven by an officer chasing a car thief
Officer David Cauthron, 42, slammed into the cheerleaders’ vehicle Saturday morning
Maggie Dunn, 17, and Caroline Gill, 16, were killed when their car was struck by a police cruiser on a state highway on Saturday morning. A third person in the car was critically injured.
The school’s cheerleading team released a statement on Facebook about the girls’ deaths.
“As we mourn the tragic deaths of Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, please keep their families, friends and the BHS community in your thoughts and prayers. Her enthusiasm and bright smile will be missed more than can be imagined.’
Several people close to Maggie and Caroline posted tributes on the school’s Facebook page, sharing their fond memories of the girls.
“As we mourn the tragic deaths of Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, please keep their families, friends and the BHS community in your thoughts and prayers. Her enthusiasm and bright smile will be missed more than can be imagined,” the school wrote on Facebook
At the time, police were pursuing a 24-year-old suspect named Tyquel Zanders, who allegedly broke into a family member’s home and stole his car
At the time, police were pursuing a 24-year-old suspect named Tyquel Zanders, who allegedly broke into a family member’s home and stole his car.
The chase began in Baton Rouge when Zanders broke into a house and stole the keys, police said.
During the chase through several communities, Louisiana’s version of counties, the 24-year-old ran red lights and reached speeds of 110 miles per hour, according to police documents.
Arrest documents show officers attempted to transfer Zanders to Baton Rouge.
When Zanders refused to stop, the chase began.
As police were chasing the man through the town of Brusly, an Addis police vehicle collided with another vehicle, killing the two teenage girls who were not involved in the theft, according to The Advocate.
Liam Dunn, Maggie’s brother and a University of Louisiana Lafayette freshman, was also in the vehicle at the time of the accident. He is currently in critical condition.
The man was reversing the stolen car across the Mississippi River and was arrested when the vehicle stalled.
He is charged with two counts of manslaughter, as well as trespassing, vehicle theft and aggravated escape, police said.
On Sunday, Clayton questioned the police decision to pursue the driver at high speed and agreed with the decision to arrest the officer.
“This police officer has many questions to answer about his speed and negligence. The public can rest assured that we will follow the facts,” Clayton said.
“There’s no excuse for those kids not being able to start the new year, but we’re going to get the facts straight first,” Clayton continued. “I just can’t understand why the officer drove at that speed in pursuit of this vehicle. This officer is facing serious problems.
“If it’s about putting lives at risk, stop the damn persecution,” Clayton said. “It’s just not worth the risk.”
Regarding the suspect’s role in the crash, Clayton said, “He brought the chain of events into play. He is responsible for all reactions to his actions. He faces two counts and if this poor boy doesn’t survive he’ll have to face another.’
Zanders is charged with trespassing, car theft and aggravated escape.
Officials later added that he was also charged with double manslaughter.
“He faces well over 100 years in prison and we plan to pursue a full criminal prosecution,” Clayton said.