Staff Report
Update: Officer’s killer dies in hospital
Louisiana State Police Troop G has reported the suspect that shot and killed Doyline Police Officer and Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputy William “Billy” Earl Collins, Jr. has succumbed to his injuries at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport. The suspect is identified as 59-year-old Mahlon Taylor, of Doyline. Taylor was pronounced deceased at approximately 6:39 p.m. today (Saturday, July 17). It is unknown if he killed himself or was shot by law enforcement officers answering the call.
Taylor killed Collins Friday, July 9, when Collins went to Taylor’s residence in answer to a call concerning a suicidal man.
Collins was laid to rest Friday, July 16.
Update:
A driver killed in a two-vehicle crash Thursday morning remains unidentified.
According to Louisiana State Police, the man who died will have to be positively identified through an autopsy.
This morning, around 9 a.m., troopers assigned to Louisiana State Police Troop G began investigating the fatal crash on U.S. Highway 371, near Woodmill Road. The crash claimed one life.
The initial investigation revealed that a 2019 Dodge Ram pickup, driven by the unidentified driver, was traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 371, behind an uninvolved vehicle.
At the same time, a 2000 Ford pickup was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 371. As the Ram was attempting to pass the vehicle in front, it lost control and collided head-on with the southbound Ford. After the collision, the Ram exited the roadway and overturned, before becoming engulfed in flames.
The unidentified driver suffered fatal injuries, as a result of the crash. Positive identification is pending by the Webster Parish Coroner’s Office.
Also responding were Heflin’s fire department and City of Minden’s rescue unit.
Routine toxicology samples were taken and will be submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.
Original:
A two-vehicle accident around 9 a.m. today has ended in one fatality.
Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies and Louisiana State Police Troop G are working the wreck that took place on Hwy. 371 south near Windmill Road.
One vehicle was completely involved in flames. Also responding were Heflin’s fire department and City of Minden’s rescue unit.
More information is forthcoming.
