Shreveport Police Dept.

Date: April 6, 2006

Phone: 318/673-6932 Fax: 318/673-6933

Contact: Kacee Hargrave, Public Information Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Traffic fatality ends in bayou

Shreveport Police and Fire departments were on the scene of a tragic auto accident this morning that killed a 25-year-old Shreveport man.

Gabriel Davenport was driving an aqua green Ford Crown Victoria eastbound on Lakeshore Drive about 5:30 a.m. when he apparently hit a curve at a high rate of speed, hit a guard rail, spun around, went through the guardrail and into a bayou in the 4200 block of Lakeshore.

The SFD dive team responded to the scene to rescue him. However, the man had already died -- either from injuries sustained in the accident or drowning. The Caddo Parish Coroner's Office has taken custody of the body, which will be autopsied.

At this time, speed is believed to be a factor in the accident. It is estimated he was going about 70 to 75 miles per hour.

It is unknown whether he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It does appear that he was not wearing a seat belt, as he was not restrained when divers found him.

This is the 11th fatal crash in the City of Shreveport this year. The accident is under investigation at this time.

-spd-

View all SPD press releases at www.ci.shreveport.la.us/dept/police/spdnews