SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) – State Representative Michael Melerine’s attorney said Melerine had just come from a legislative committee meeting in Baton Rouge before his SUV was found in a ditch in Caddo Parish. KSLA Investigates reviewed on-demand video of that meeting confirming he was there.
Timeline of the day
Attorney Eric Johnson said Melerine was coming from a joint committee meeting on technology and cybersecurity held in Baton Rouge at 10:30 that morning. Melerine was present, according to Johnson.
KSLA Investigates reviewed on-demand video from the Louisiana House and confirmed Melerine was there.
Deputies found Melerine’s SUV in a ditch on Overton Brooks at Wallace Lake Road in Caddo Parish just before 5 that evening, about a four-hour drive from Baton Rouge.
Deputies’ initial observations
According to Caddo Parish Sheriff’s reports, deputies initially suspected Melerine was under the influence of alcohol. One officer wrote that Melerine seemed very intoxicated and stumbled as he made his way out of the car. Deputies also wrote he seemed to be possibly hallucinating, impaired and confused.
Attorney’s response
Melerine’s attorney said the disorientation deputies saw wasn’t from alcohol, but from a medical issue…