Courtesy Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office
A Webster Parish Deputy Sheriff severely injured Tuesday night when he was struck by a vehicle while assisting with a stalled vehicle on U.S. Hwy. 371 north of Dixie Inn has been identified as 32-year-old Sgt. Aaron Barnes, a member of the department since 2018.
Sheriff Jason Parker said Barnes was scheduled to undergo surgery in a Shreveport hospital for his numerous injuries Wednesday around noon.
“He suffered a broken tailbone, broken hip, fractured ankle, serious lacerations to his forehead and lower body and road rash,” Parker said. “We are truly blessed that he survived his injuries. Really, it’s nothing short of a miracle.”
According to the Sheriff, Louisiana State Police is conducting the investigation into the accident which occurred on a portion of US 371 where a passing section provides three lanes of traffic. Barnes was standing beside his vehicle just outside the northbound lane, directing traffic when he was struck by a northbound one-ton truck around 7 p.m..
“Sgt. Barnes was wearing his high visibility reflective vest and using his flashlight to direct traffic,” Parker said. “A witness who was driving behind the vehicle said the driver did not slow down before hitting Sgt. Barnes.”
Parker said officers who are actively working a traffic accident or assisting with a stalled vehicle are always wary of traffic moving through the scene.
“We have to be very aware of motorists who simply will not slow down for officers who are working a scene,” he said. “Some drivers do not pay attention to all the flashing lights and the officers who have to be in the roadway. It is a very dangerous situation with the potential for a tragedy, like this one.”
Units from several jurisdictions were quick to arrive at the scene of the accident and provided critical assistance, Parker said.
“We had units from Sarepta PD, Dixie Inn PD and Minden PD come to help us,” Parker said. “Also, Cotton Valley PD, Sibley PD and Doyline PD helped by taking our calls for assistance. I cannot thank them enough.”
State police investigators have not released the name of the driver of the vehicle that struck Sgt. Barnes, nor has there been any report of charges filed. Tests reportedly were conducted on the driver at the scene of the accident to determine whether or not impairment contributed to cause.
“As amazing as it sounds, Sgt. Barnes actually called me this morning (Wednesday) to let me know he was doing okay,” Parker said. “He’s got a long way to go, and we’re praying for the best with his surgery. He’s strong and determined, and we’re looking forward to him coming back to us.”
