Troopers arrest hit and run driver that injured a construction worker in Ascension Parish
At approximately 11:45 p.m. on Nov. 21, 2014, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a hit and run crash involving a roadway construction worker that occurred on La. 30, west of La. 73 in Ascension Parish. The crash seriously injured a male worker in a roadway construction zone.
On Jan. 20, 2015, Baton Rouge Crime Stoppers aired a request seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspect vehicle. Crime Stoppers received a tip that Mark Burke owned a silver 2005 Ford Mustang that was possibly the hit and run vehicle.
On Jan. 22, Troopers made contact with Burke at his place of employment. Burke admitted to owning the Mustang. Burke informed Troopers that he was in New Orleans at the time of the crash and that his vehicle sustained damage from his mother striking it with her vehicle.
Troopers obtained a search warrant for Burke’s Mustang and upon examination by the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab, it was determined that both the driver’s side fender and mirror had been recently replaced. In addition, damage was noted to the A pillar of the vehicle. Troopers determined that the damage was not consistent with Burke’s statements and determine that the damage was consistent with striking a pedestrian.
On March 18, Troopers obtained a search warrant for Burke’s cell phone records. These records showed that Burke sent incriminating text messages and indicated that Burke was in the area of the crash on the night in question and not in New Orleans as he had stated.
On Sept. 1, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Burke for Felony Hit and Run and Obstruction of Justice. Troopers also obtained a warrant for Burke’s mother, Dolores Dindlebeck, for Accessory After the Fact and Obstruction of Justice.
On Sept. 4, Burke and Dindlebeck turned themselves in to Troopers at the Ascension Parish Jail.
Louisiana State Police would like to thank Baton Rouge Crime Stoppers for their assistance in this case.