47 year Slidell Man Dies in Early Morning Crash
By admin • Oct 4th, 2008 • Category: FeaturesDISCLAIMER - Any Charges Reported in these Press Releases are Merely Accusations and the Defendants are Presumed Innocent Unless and Until Proven Guilty.
In an early morning crash, 47 year old Weston J. Burnside Jr. of Slidell died after the 2001 Green Suzuki GZ 250 motorcycle he was riding collided with a 2000 Silver Nissan Frontier.
On October 4, 2008 at 7:09 am Slidell Police Patrol Units were dispatched to the 1900 block of Gause Blvd in reference to a two vehicle crash that involved a small pick up truck and a motorcycle. Upon arriving Officers discovered the driver of the motorcycle dead from what appeared to be massive head injuries.
Investigators with the Slidell Police Department’s Fatality Crash Investigation Unit learned that a Silver 2000 Nissan Frontier driven by 70 year old William D. Gunnels of Slidell failed to yield as he exited the parking lot of Chase Bank located at 1943 Gause Blvd. As Gunnels left the parking he did not see the motorcycle traveling in the eastbound right hand lane of Gause.
As Gunnels entered the right hand lane he stopped after realizing that the motorcyclist was to close to stop. As Weston attempted to stop, he laid the motorcycle on its side, sliding towards the Nissan. Weston was then ejected from the motorcycle and as he slid into the Nissan his head impacted the left front bumper of the truck, killing him instantly.
Weston was wearing a DOT approved helmet at the time of the crash. Weston came to rest just under the frontend of the Nissan while his motorcycle continued eastbound, coming to rest in the left hand lane of Gause.
Although the roadway was closed for approximately two and half hours, there were no major traffic delays as vehicles were allowed to travel eastbound in the roads center turning lane.
Investigators do not believe alcohol or drugs played a part in the crash.
Arrested Subject: William D. Gunnels, age 70 of 3517 W. Meadowlake Drive, Slidell, LA was arrested and charged with Failure to Yield and Negligent Homicide. Gunnels was booked at the Slidell Police Department then transferred to the St. Tammany Parish Jail where bond was set at $75,000. At the time of this release Gunnels was still in the St. Tammany Parish Jail.
PIO: Captain Kevin Foltz 985-290-0767
# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #
Louisiana Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties & Fines
Louisiana Teen Driving Laws & Insurance Requirements
Louisiana Cell Phone Driving Laws
admin is
Email this author | All posts by admin