Louisiana Man Arrested in Connection with Fatal Pedestrian-Vehicle Hit-and-Run Crash on LA 96

Louisiana – According to Louisiana State Police, Troopers from LSP Troop I began investigating a hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian on Louisiana Highway 96 westbound near Capritto Forty Arpent Rd in St. Martin Parish soon before 7:30 a.m. on September 25, 2022. Chester J. Thibeaux, 49, of Lafayette, Louisiana, was killed in the crash.

According to the preliminary investigation conducted by State Police, Thibeaux was walking westbound on LA 96 when he was struck from behind by an unknown vehicle. The mystery vehicle departed the area after the crash. Investigators discovered that the unknown vehicle was a dark sedan with damage to the right front portion.

On September 25, at about 9:45 a.m., Troopers were told that the driver was at the St. Martinville Police Station. James Celestine, the driver, admits to hitting something in the road while driving a 2014 Nissan Maxima. He was arrested on the following charges: LA RS 14:100 hit-and-run, 32:58 careless operation, and 32:415 driving under suspension.

Blood evidence was gathered and sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis, and the crash is still being investigated.

Troop I has investigated 38 fatal crashes resulting in 44 deaths so far in 2022.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.