A sad event in New Orleans left 15-year-old Jamal Jackson badly injured after an SUV drove into his bedroom, with investigators blaming the disaster on a suspected drunk driver. The crash occurred early Sunday morning, about 4:02 a.m., at a home near the intersection of Cerise Avenue and Chef Menteur Highway.
Fox 8 Live said that the teenager’s younger cousin described the commotion that ensued after the incident. “All we heard was: ‘Stand motionless! Stand still! They yelled, ‘Get out of the car! “Get out of the car!” The situation was one of uncertainty and panic as family members attempted to figure out what had transpired.
The victim of this tragic accident was recognized by his family as 15-year-old Jamal Jackson, a 10th-grade student at Edna Karr High School. Jamal is well-known at his school, where he is an active member of the football, band, and drill teams. His participation in these activities makes the incident much more painful for those who know him.
Jamal was transported to the hospital after the incident, and his condition is still severe. His family told local news channel WVUE that they had not been allowed to visit him in the intensive care unit, which added to their sorrow. His grandmother, Alicia Patterson, reported that Jamal is currently on a respirator, unable to breathe on his own owing to the injuries he suffered.
Police identified the driver of the SUV, Cedrick Marshall, 53, at the scene. According to investigators, Marshall remained at the crash site and was arrested after allegedly failing a field sobriety test. His conduct resulted in the significant allegations he currently faces.
Marshall is currently in the hospital receiving medical care for suspected injuries. After his release, he is expected to face charges of first-degree vehicular negligent harm and careless operation of a motor vehicle. Fortunately, no other occupants of the residence were hurt in the incident, but the trauma will most likely have long-term consequences for Jamal’s family and the neighborhood.