Louisiana State Police says a Laplace man died after a St. John the Baptist Parish sheriff’s unit struck him as he attempted to cross Airline Highway in the dark.
“The initial investigation revealed a St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy was on duty and driving a fully marked 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe patrol unit in the right lane of US 61 south near Windsor Street” around 10:00 p.m., said Trooper Kate Stegall.
Authorities say that’s when 45-year-old Dave Walker of Laplace attempted to cross the highway.
“As Walker entered the right lane of US 61 south, he was struck by the Tahoe,” Stegall reported. “Walker suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.”
Trooper Stegall noted that the area of U.S. 61 where this happened has no designated crosswalks, and limited lighting.
Although impairment is not suspected on the part of the deputy who was a the wheel of the Tahoe, a blood sample was voluntarily offered and will be sent to the state police crime lab.
The investigation is ongoing.