Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Video: Louisiana Officer Struck and Killed by Impaired Driver

A Sterlington (LA) Police Department officer was struck and killed and two other officers were injured during a traffic stop Sunday.

July 4, 2016
Video: Louisiana Officer Struck and Killed by Impaired Driver

 

2 min to read


Ad Loading...

A Sterlington (LA) Police Department officer was struck and killed and two other officers were injured during a traffic stop Sunday, reports KNOE.

Louisiana State Police have issued the following release in regard to this incident:

"One Sterlington Police Officer was killed and two others injured this morning after an impaired driver struck one of their police cars.

Shortly before 5:00 a.m. on July 3, 2016, Troopers assigned to Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to a fatality crash on US Highway 165 approximately 2 miles south of Louisiana Highway 134 that involved a Sterlington Police Officer.

The initial investigation by State Police revealed three Sterlington Police Officers were conducting a traffic stop on the southbound shoulder of US Hwy 165. Officer David Elahi was standing between the fog line and the rear of his vehicle interviewing a subject when he was struck by a 2014 GMC Sierra driven by 44-year-old Tracy Govan of Monroe, LA. Due to Govan being impaired his vehicle crossed the fog line striking Elahi and two other Officers who were also on scene.

Ad Loading...

Officer Elahi was pronounced dead at the scene by the Ouachita Parish Coroner’s Office. The other two officers involved were taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

At the time of the crash Govan was determined to be impaired. Govan was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide, vehicular negligent injury, improper lane usage and failure to move over for emergency vehicle on the shoulder.

'Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Elahi’s family and the Sterlington Police Department during this time of grief,' said Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Mike Edmonson. 'This is a tragedy that could have been avoided.'

This is the second incident in the past two days on Louisiana highways involving a law enforcement officer being struck. A Louisiana State Trooper was struck on I-55 on Friday and suffered injuries while directing traffic around a stalled vehicle."

Sterlington Police Chief Barry Bonner says the memorial services for Sgt. David Elahi will be held Thursday at 2 P.M. at North Monroe Baptist Church. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4 to 7 P.M.

Ad Loading...

Sgt. Elahi is survived by his child and fiancee.

More Patrol

Hands insert an Adept Armor protective plate into a camouflage tactical plate carrier, demonstrating how the armor plate fits inside the vest.
PatrolSeptember 17, 2026

Adept Armor Introduces Two New Rifle Plates

Adept Armor has launched two new Level IV ballistic plates, the Emperor and the Archon Mark 2, which brings Adept Armor’s new Quatroid ceramic to the high-threat, performance-value center of the range at 5.2 pounds.

Read More →
Open Benchmade folding knife with a bronze-colored blade, textured dark handle, and braided lanyard resting on weathered wooden boards.
Patrolby Wayne ParhamSeptember 17, 2026

POLICE Product Test: Benchmade Bailout

The Benchmade Bailout is a slim, lightweight carry knife with a deep-ride pocket clip and comes in a variety of blade steels and scales. Here is a detailed review of the Taiga Green Bailout, released earlier this year.

Read More →
Officer of the Month graphic honoring Deputy Lorne Juday of the Osceola County, Michigan, Sheriff’s Office for July 2026, featuring a portrait of Juday in uniform.
PatrolSeptember 17, 2026

NLEOMF Announces July 2026 Officer of the Month

NLEOMF honored a Michigan deputy sheriff as the July 2026 Officer of the Month for rescuing a trapped driver from a burning vehicle following a Fourth of July crash.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Streamlight promotional graphic featuring the LiteBox 1 Million handheld light and Portable Scene Light III, highlighting products displayed for the 2026 National Safety Council Safety Congress & Expo in Indianapolis, Sept. 14–16.
PatrolSeptember 10, 2026

Streamlight to Showcase Newest Lighting Products at National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo 2026

Streamlight will showcase its latest lights, including the Portable Scene Light III and the LiteBox 1Million, at the 2026 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo.

Read More →
Graphic promoting the 2027 World Police & Fire Games in Perth, Australia, featuring an aerial city view and photos of international participants carrying Brazilian and Australian flags.
PatrolSeptember 10, 2026

The 2027 World Police & Fire Games Set for Perth, Australia

The 2027 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) will take place in Perth, Western Australia, from Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 21, 2027.

Read More →
New York City skyline at night with the Tribute in Light beams illuminating the sky in remembrance of September 11, with the 5.11 logo in the upper left.
PatrolSeptember 10, 2026

5.11 Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Support #ForThe343

5.11 has joined the nationwide movement honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters lost on Sept. 11, 2001.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Team Wendy graphic announcing sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation, featuring a black-and-white photo of Austin Police Officer Jorge Pastore, whose end of watch was November 11, 2023.
PatrolAugust 27, 2026

Team Wendy Announces Title Sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation

Team Wendy’s 3-year partnership with the Jorge Pastore Foundation expands access to programs that strengthen those who serve.

Read More →
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund graphic for the 2026 9/11 commemoration ceremony beside a close-up of a police officer’s badge, with blurred emergency lights in the background.
PatrolAugust 27, 2026

National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Hosting 9/11 25th-Year Commemoration Ceremony

The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is hosting a 9/11 25th Year Commemoration Ceremony on Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.

Read More →
Officer of the Month graphic for June 2026 honoring officers of the Chico, California, Police Department, featuring the department’s police badge and a rose emblem.
PatrolAugust 20, 2026

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces June 2026 Officers of the Month

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) named 15 officers of the Chico Police Department (California) as the Officers of the Month for June 2026 for their roles in responding to an active-shooter incident at a public library.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Three smartphone screens display the Team Wendy community app, featuring tactical gear content, upcoming events, news, surveys, and navigation tools for warranty, sizing, and user profiles.
PatrolAugust 13, 2026

Team Wendy App Creates New Digital Hub for Helmet Owners

The Team Wendy Community App provides one location for warranty registration, size-fit tools, product updates, and community connection. For helmet owners, the new app creates a simpler path to the information and tools that matter most.

Read More →