BATON ROUGE--Troopers brought the fatal crash investigation to a close Aug. 9 with the arrest of Matthew Harding in the death of a Clinton woman. Toxicology analysis of Harding’s blood was returned from the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab showing that he had illicit drugs in his system.

The crash occurred July 11.

Based on this information and the crash investigation, Troopers obtained a warrant for Harding’s arrest from the 19th Judicial District Court. Harding was arrested Aug. 9 and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on charges of vehicular homicide, DWI (3rd Offense), reckless operation, driving left of center, aggravated obstruction of a highway, and no seat belt. 

Louisiana State Police Troop A investigated a two-vehicle fatal crash July 11 in East Baton Rouge Parish. The crash, which claimed the life of a Clinton woman, occurred on LA 409 (Liberty Road) north of LA 64 shortly after 10:00 am this morning.

Troopers’ preliminary investigation revealed that Matthew Harding (age 30) of Greenwell Springs was driving a 2006 GMC pickup north on LA 409 when he crossed the centerline and struck an oncoming 2005 Toyota Corolla. The driver of the Corolla, Nancy Pierce (age 48) of Clinton, was pronounced deceased on the scene by the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office. Troopers have submitted a sample of Pierce’s blood to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for chemical analysis. Harding voluntarily submitted a breath sample that showed he had no detectable alcohol in his system. He also provided a urine sample, which Troopers have submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for chemical analysis. Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation. Harding was properly restrained at the time of the crash. It is unknown at this time whether Pierce was properly restrained. The crash remains under investigation.

 

Troopers remind motorists to pay close attention while driving a vehicle at all times. Inattentive drivers account for a large number of serious crashes across the state every year. You can effectively reduce the chances of being involved in a crash by ensuring that you are well-rested, alert, and attentive while driving. The single most effective thing you can do to avoid injury or death in a crash is to wear a seat belt at all times, regardless of seating position.

 

 

Contact Information:

TFC Russell G. Graham II

Public Information Officer 

Louisiana State Police – Troop A

Office: (225) 754-8524

russell.graham@dps.la.gov

www.LSP.org