Two LA Firemen On Leave After Fatal Collision

April 22, 2003
4-year-old Saleena Smith was killed after the vehicle she was riding in was hit by a Bastrop Fire Truck.

Police say early Sunday afternoon, 4-year-old Saleena Smith was killed after the vehicle she was riding in was hit by a Bastrop Fire Truck. The truck was responding to an accident at the time.

Fire truck driver Dawson Blackard and Captain Craig Flemming are on administrative leave because of their involvement in the accident.

An internal investigation will determine what happens to Blackard and Flemming.

Police say Blackard ran a redlight at West Madison and Vine Streets and hit the vehicle carrying the children. Blackard was ticketed for not yielding to the signal. 4-year-old Javonte Sims was also ejected from the vehicle. He's listed in critical condition at a Monroe hospital.

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