A Covington man has been found guilty of obstructing traffic on a Louisiana interstate, along with several other driving-related charges, after leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position on I-10.
Covington Man Guilty of Highway Obstruction and Traffic Violations
District Attorney Collin Sims announced Wednesday that a St. Tammany Parish jury found 43-year-old Christopher Henry Verzwyvelt guilty of Aggravated Obstruction of a Highway of Commerce.
In addition, Judge Tara Farris Zeller found Verzwyvelt guilty of three misdemeanor charges: Reckless Operation of a Vehicle, Operating a Vehicle While License was Suspended, and Hit and Run Driving.
The Incident
The case stems from an early morning crash on June 15, 2025. Louisiana State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on I-10 Eastbound at the I-12 Westbound on-ramp. Officers discovered the car abandoned in the left travel lane, facing oncoming traffic on a dark curve, making it nearly invisible to passing motorists. An off-duty Slidell police officer almost collided with the vehicle before pulling over to report it.
Investigators traced the car to its registered owner, Daniel Verzwyvelt, who said his son Christopher had been driving. Christopher reportedly claimed a tire blowout but left the scene with a friend. Louisiana State Police found no evidence of a flat tire and arrested Verzwyvelt.
Criminal History
Court records show Verzwyvelt has a 25-year criminal history across St. Tammany, Washington, and Jefferson Parishes. His record includes multiple felony convictions, probation revocations, and prison sentences. Prior offenses include narcotics possession, operating a clandestine lab, burglary, firearm theft, contraband in a penal institution, and multiple DWIs and driving under suspension.
Prosecution and Jury Verdict
Assistant District Attorneys Taylor Nicholson and Christina Fisher led the prosecution, with the investigation by Louisiana State Police. ADA Nicholson stressed that Verzwyvelt’s actions demonstrated a total disregard for public safety.
“You heard on a jail call that he did not think leaving his car in the middle of the road was a big deal,” Nicholson said. “By leaving that car at 3 a.m., he endangered human life.”
District Attorney Sims praised the swift actions of Louisiana State Police and the Slidell Police Department, saying their response likely prevented a serious pileup.
Next Steps
Judge Zeller has scheduled sentencing for June 12, 2026. Verzwyvelt faces significant penalties for both the obstruction charge and the misdemeanors.
This case serves as a reminder that abandoning a vehicle in traffic, especially on high-speed highways, can put countless lives at risk and carries serious legal consequences.
