Early morning wreck nets 3 charges, injures 2

Deputies with the Acadia Parish Sheriff Office are investigating an early morning crash that took place near the intersection of Ebenezer and Mark Twain roads east of Crowley shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday morning.

According to Acadia Parish Sheriff Wayne Melancon, upon arrival at the scene, deputies learned that the driver of the vehicle, identified as Benjamin Arledge, 20, was traveling at a high rate of speed when he lost control, left the roadway and landed in a yard located in the 1600 block of Ebenezer Road. 

The front passenger, who was not wearing his seatbelt, was ejected during the crash and suffered severe injuries. A third passenger in the vehicle also suffered minor injuries. All three were taken by Acadian Ambulance to Acadia General Hospital for treatment. 

The front passenger was later transported to Lafayette General where he remains critical.

Arledge is being charged with DWI – first offense, careless operation of a motor vehicle and two counts of negligent injuring. Additional charges are pending in this incident.

Louisiana State Police assisted in the investigation.