Impaired driver arrested following January fatal crash in Ouachita Parish

MONROE, La. (KTVE/KARD) -- According to the Louisiana State Police, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Amanda Rasmussen was arrested and booked into the Ouachita Correctional Center for the Tuesday, January 27, 2026, crash that claimed the life of 22-year-old Beccalenia Randle of Winnsboro. On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the Louisiana State Police began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on U.S. Hwy 80 at its intersection with Rowland Drive. Amanda Rasmussen was driving a 2006 Jeep Liberty eastbound on U.S. Highway 80. At the same time, a 2018 Dodge Journey, driven by Randle, was traveling west on U.S. Highway 80. For reasons still under investigation, Rasmussen crossed the center line. She struck the Dodge head-on in the westbound lane of U.S. Highway 80. Randle and the Dodge’s front seat passenger were both properly restrained and received serious injuries. Both were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Rasmussen, who was not properly restrained, was also transported to an area hospital for treatment. Rasmussen was suspected of being impaired at the time of the crash. On Saturday, January 31, 2026, Troopers learned that Randle succumbed to her injuries and died. According to LSP, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Troopers received toxicology sample results indicating that Rasmussen’s blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit at the time of the crash (.189g% BAC). Based on these findings, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F obtained an arrest warrant for Rasmussen through the 4th Judicial District Court on charges of vehicular homicide, first-degree vehicular negligent injuring, driving left of center, and safety belt use. "Louisiana State Police would like to remind all motorists that if you feel differently, you drive differently. Alcohol, prescription drugs, and other drugs have many effects on the body that negatively affect driving skills. These drugs can impair visual ability, alter the sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. Not doing so can have deadly consequences." Louisiana State Police