Driver in New Orleans crash that killed 2 believed to be impaired, is son of NOPD cop

New Orleans Police examine damaged cars and bicycles on Esplanade Avenue in New Orleans after a car struck multiple people after the Endymion Mardi Gras parade on, March 2, 2019.

New Orleans police are investigating a car crash that injured 7 and killed two including a pedestrian and a bicyclist. According to the police department, the driver is suspected of driving while intoxicated.
The suspected driver is allegedly the son of an New Orleans police Officer. Due to the nature of this incident, very few details are known at this time.

The suspect was identified as Tashonty Toney, 32. He was arrested and faces several charges including two counts of vehicular homicide, seven counts of vehicular negligent injury, hit and run and reckless operation, the department tweeted.EMS spokesman Jonathan Fourcade said a man and a woman, both about 30, were killed. Three of the injured were in critical condition, EMS Director Emily Nichols said.

Witnesses described a speeding dark sports car that was attempting to pass another vehicle when it swerved into a bike lane and spun out on the median.

Cyclist Frank Rourk told The New Orleans Advocate he saw the suspect jump out of his car without a shirt after the crash, run to the corner and lie down on the sidewalk.

Rourk said he and two other people were able to rouse the driver, who apparently had lost consciousness. Rourk, who said he initially didn’t realize anyone was struck, told the driver: “I’m pretty sure you’re the guy who wrecked the car. You better go back there.” The driver then asked whether he had killed anyone, he said.