Louisiana State Police (LSP) called a truck driver “criminally negligent” after they say he attempted a U-turn and became jackknifed while attempting to reach a truck detour off I-20 on Monday evening.
LSP says that Texas-based truck driver Alieu Bah has been charged with Aggravated Obstruction of a Highway of Commerce.
The charge stems from an incident that began around 8:30 p.m. on Monday, February 12, at I-20 westbound at I-220 westbound in Bossier City, Louisiana.
Troopers say that Bah was westbound on I-20 when “he carelessly bypassed the designated I-220 CMV detour. Upon realizing his mistake, Bah made the ill-advised decision to utilize the shoulder of I-20 to execute a U-turn, intending to travel eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-20 in an attempt to reach the I-220 detour.”
As a result of the U-turn attempt, Bah jackknifed his truck and became stuck in a ditch. His truck’s trailer came to a stop blocking active lanes of traffic on I-20.
LSP says that a motorist was forced to veer off the interstate to avoid hitting the jackknifed truck and the car also became stuck in the ditch.
Troopers say that Bah was arrested and booked into Bossier Max.
“Bah’s actions were not only intentional but also criminally negligent. By deliberately placing his CMV across both travel lanes of a busy highway, he intentionally endangered human life … We must emphasize the severity of this incident and the potential harm that could have been inflicted upon innocent motorists. The safety and well-being of all individuals on our roadways are of paramount importance, and we will continue to enforce the law to ensure the protection of our community. Please exercise caution and remain vigilant while traveling, as we work tirelessly to maintain the integrity and safety of our highways.”
Commercial vehicles have been banned from the construction zone on I-20 in Bossier City since December 21, 2023.