Authorities in Louisiana Investigating Fatal Vehicle-Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Crash on US 61 in East Baton Rouge Parish
Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Authorities in Louisiana are investigating a fatal vehicle-pedestrian hit-and-run crash on US 61 in East Baton Rouge Parish.
Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A started investigating a three-vehicle crash with a pedestrian on July 8, 2023, around 8:30 p.m. The incident occurred on US 61 near LA 964 in East Baton Rouge Parish and sadly resulted in the death of 40-year-old Jacob Perez from Zachary, Louisiana.
According to the initial investigation, Mr. Perez was hit by a vehicle that has not yet been identified while he was walking in the northbound lanes of US 61, just south of LA 964. The vehicle that hit him fled the accident scene. Later on, a 2022 Chevrolet Traverse and a 2019 BMW X3, both driving in the left lane, also hit Perez as he was lying on the road. Reports indicated that the second and third vehicle striking the Perez was unavoidable. Perez suffered injuries that proved to be fatal, and he was declared dead at the location. To further understand the situation, toxicology samples were taken from Perez and the two known drivers involved, and these samples will be sent for scientific analysis.
The crash is currently being investigated as authorities continue their efforts to determine the identity of the driver and the vehicle that fled from the crash scene.
Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact Louisiana State Police – Troop A at 225-754-8500.
Pedestrians are advised to stay alert and vigilant when walking close to the road. Taking simple measures such as wearing reflective clothing, avoiding distractions, and walking at a safe distance from the road while facing oncoming traffic can greatly reduce the possibility of accidents involving pedestrians. Law enforcement authorities also want to emphasize the severe legal implications of hit-and-run incidents. Committing a felony hit-and-run offense resulting in death or serious physical harm can lead to penalties of up to a $5,000 fine and a maximum prison term of ten years.