After crash with Ascension sheriff’s unit while under influence, Gonzales-area driver found to be undocumented immigrant – The Advocate

GONZALES A 40-year-old man suspected of drunken driving crashed into an Ascension Parish sheriff's car on La. 44, injuring the deputy and causing major damage to the unit, deputies said Tuesday.

Jary Romero, who is suspected of entering the U.S. illegally, drove through a red light at La. 44 and Black Bayou Road outside Gonzales shortly before 9 p.m. Saturday, Sheriff Jeff Wiley said in a statement.

The deputy, who was driving east on Black Bayou Road at the time of the collision, suffered moderate injuries, Wiley said.

After Romero's arrest, deputies determined that he was in the country without authorization, though they were unable to determine his nationality, according to the statement.

Romero, 14484 Oak Meadow St., Gonzales, was booked into Ascension Parish Prison with counts of misdemeanor first-offense driving while intoxicated, disregarding a signal light and having no driver's license, deputies said.

Sheriff's deputies have notified U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Wiley said. Romero was being held Tuesday in jail without bail.

Follow David J. Mitchell on Twitter, @NewsieDave.

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After crash with Ascension sheriff's unit while under influence, Gonzales-area driver found to be undocumented immigrant - The Advocate