Matthew Rhoden Obituary, Death – A tragic car accident in Shreveport on Friday afternoon has claimed the life of one off-duty police officer and left another critically injured. The officers, who were driving in a blue Mustang, were involved in a collision with a white van on W. 70th Street. The van’s driver appeared to attempt a left-hand turn into the path of the Mustang. After the initial impact, the Mustang skidded along the roadway, veered into a vacant house, and rolled over.
Officer Matthew Rhoden, 37, was killed in the crash. His fellow officer, who has not yet been identified, was rushed to Ochsner LSU Health hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the van was unharmed.
The crash occurred at around 2 p.m. at the intersection of W. 70th Street and Broadacres Road. In response, over 20 Shreveport police officers, firefighters, and state troopers arrived at the scene to assist.
In a statement, District G Councilwoman Ursula Bowman expressed her grief over the incident. She extended her condolences to Officer Rhoden’s family and praised his dedication to serving the city. Bowman called on the Shreveport community to come together to support those affected by this devastating event.
The crash remains under investigation.