CENTRAL — Charges have been filed eight months after a Baton Rouge man was killed in a crash while on his way to work.
Charles Lepisto, 50, was heading to his job in Zachary on November 3 when his Honda Accord was hit head-on by a Chevy Silverado 3500 on Joor Rd. in Central. Central Police identified Dakota Naquin, 21, as the driver of the Silverado. Naquin allegedly left the road, overcorrected, and crossed into Lepisto’s lane, resulting in the head-on collision.
Police reported that Naquin was driving at least 85 mph in a 50 mph zone, and excessive speed was a contributing factor. Impairment is not suspected in this crash.
Naquin has been charged with reckless operation of a vehicle and negligent homicide. According to police at the time of the crash in November, Naquin was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from his vehicle. He was transported to the hospital in critical condition following the crash.
Naquin surrendered to Central Police on July 2. A booking photo was not provided due to Act No. 494, which places restrictions on mugshots released to the media for most offenses with exceptions for certain violent crimes.
“It’s a relief, always, that (family) can get some time of closure,” police said during a news conference.
“We ask the public to watch their speed and be attentive to their driving. Set down the phones … we find people looking at Facebook, reading their phone, or texting while they’re driving. And we’re writing a lot of tickets for speeds in excess of 30 miles per hour over the limit. Slow down, don’t be in such a hurry.”
Police say officers are conducting speed checks on major roads in Central in hopes of encouraging drivers to slow down.
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