Louisiana DWI Suspect Kills Bicyclist, Flees Scene

If you drive east of Lake Charles on Interstate 10 for about an hour, you will come to Rayne, Louisiana. The modestly sized town has been in the news recently because a 42-year-old resident has been charged with vehicular homicide after he allegedly hit and killed a bicyclist with his car and then fled the scene. 

The Acadia Parish sheriff said the man has been arrested five times in the past for driving while intoxicated. Police took a blood sample from him after he was found following the crash east of Rayne. Possible drunk driving charges are pending until lab results from the test are in. 

The Sunday night crash took the life of a 61-year-old Rayne man. 

Sheriff K.P. Gibson said the wreck was at about 9 p.m. and that the vehicle involved was driven from the scene. It was soon found not far away, and the suspect was then identified and apprehended. 

Acadia Parish deputies obtained a search warrant and had a blood sample drawn from the uncooperative suspect. Officials said his driver’s license was suspended at the time of the accident due to a previous DWI conviction. 

He now faces charges of vehicular homicide, operating a vehicle under suspension and hit and run. 

For the family of a victim, the criminal justice system often offers too little justice. In some situations, families seek financial punishment for the responsible party as well. 

A Lake Charles wrongful death attorney can help you pursue a higher form of justice.