On October 5, 2017, at 4:22 p.m., Troop G Troopers were dispatched to a one vehicle crash involving a tractor trailer on US 71 just south of Hughes Road in Red River Parish.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 1998 Mack Truck operated by 32-year-old Shannon Sikes of Georgetown was traveling south on US 71 when for reasons still under investigation, his vehicle exited the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.

Sikes was restrained at the time of the crash and sustained moderate injuries. Sikes was transported to University Health in Shreveport where he was treated and released.