Lake Charles, Louisiana — Lake Charles Police cited a driver Thursday after investigating a hit-and-run crash that damaged a community garden in the early morning hours of Nov. 6, 2025.

Officers with the Lake Charles Police Department responded to reports of property damage near the corner of N Prater Street and Opelousas Street on Thursday. Upon arrival, officers observed damage to the SWLA Center for Health Services Community Garden located on the property.

Investigators determined a vehicle was involved in the crash after discovering vehicle parts left at the scene. The incident occurred in the early morning hours before officers were called to the location.

During the investigation, officers learned the vehicle's driver had arranged for a private tow service to remove a 2018 Audi Q5 from the scene. The vehicle was towed to a residence on 12th Street in Lake Charles.

Officers made contact with the vehicle's owner at the residence. According to reports from the Lake Charles Police Department, the owner admitted to being involved in the hit-and-run crash. The driver was cited for Hit and Run and released on scene.

Officer Alex Dougherty is the reporting officer on the case.

The SWLA Center for Health Services Community Garden serves the local community, though the extent of the damage to the garden has not been disclosed.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.