DeSoto Parish fire chief arrested for drunk driving after collision with fire hydrant

KEACHI, Louisiana (KSLA) – DeSoto Parish Fire Chief Mark Magee was reportedly arrested for drunk driving following a single-vehicle crash involving a fire department vehicle.

On September 21 at 12:15 p.m., officers from the Louisiana State Police (LSP) responded to a car accident at the intersection of Louisiana Highway 5 and Louisiana Highway 172. The accident involved a vehicle belonging to the DeSoto Parish Fire District, which is assigned to Fire District 1. It is unmarked and equipped with hazard lights.

Mark Magee, 39, was reportedly driving the county vehicle, a 2022 Ford F-250, south on Louisiana Highway 5 when, for reasons under investigation, he lost control, left the left side of the road and eventually struck a fire hydrant.

Upon contact with Magee, LSP officers allegedly observed signs of impairment and took a blood sample for analysis. Magee was arrested and charged with DUI, DUI (first offense), and careless driving.

The investigation is currently ongoing.

“Police officers are witnessing preventable car crashes. Impaired driving is often a leading cause of crashes throughout the state. Louisiana State Police urge motorists to have a plan that includes a driver who determines when alcohol is consumed. Alcohol can impair vision, alter the sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills, and decrease reaction time. Alcohol can impair a person's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle after just one drink. Please choose not to drive while impaired or ride with an impaired driver,” the LSP said in a statement.

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