Amorello’s ski boat linked to incident by state police crime lab, LDWF says
A 32-year-old Ascension Parish man was arrested Friday for his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run ski boat accident on the Amite River Diversion Canal.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents arrested Thomas J. Amorello, of St. Amant, for felony hit-and-run, negligent injury and reckless operation of a vessel in connection with the July 26 incident.
The accident happened about 8:30 p.m. in Livingston Parish near the Tiki Hut when a ski boat was rear-ended by another ski boat allegedly operated by Amorello, according to a press release.
The three passengers of the boat that was run over were treated for minor injuries and released, the release states.
Using eyewitness accounts of a boat that allegedly sped through a no-wake zone near the accident site, agents tracked down Amorello’s vessel at his residence on July 28.
The boat matched the description given by eyewitnesses and had damage to the hull, the release states.
Agents seized the boats and brought them to the Louisiana State Police crime lab, where technicians were able to make a direct match to Amorello’s boat from the damage sustained on both vessels.
According to a press release, felony hit-and-run brings up to a $5,000 fine and 10 years in jail, negligent injury carries cup to a $500 fine and six months in jail and reckless operation brings up to a $200 fine and 90 days in jail.
