Louisiana Deputy Killed in Crash After Suspect Rams Vehicle During Pursuit on LA 1

Lafourche Parish, Louisiana – A deputy in Louisiana was killed in a crash after a suspect rammed his vehicle during a pursuit on LA 1.

On April 2, 2023, Louisiana State Police (LSP) stated that the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office requested detectives from the LSP Bureau of Investigations to investigate a fatal crash involving a Lafourche Parish deputy. The crash happened just before 5:00 a.m. on Louisiana Highway 1 near Klienpeter Road in Thibodaux, Louisiana.

The initial investigation indicated that a Houma Police Department officer attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation. The suspect departed at a fast rate of speed. Officers pursued the suspect, who eventually came to a halt. Authorities attempted to negotiate with the subject, who then sped away and reportedly rammed into a Lafourche Parish deputy’s unit that was stopped nearby.

The deputy in the stopped unit sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The suspect driver was apprehended and sent to a local hospital with moderate injuries.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre later disclosed the identity of the deputy who died in the incident in a press release issued on the same day of the crash. Detective Sergeant Nicholas Pepper, 44, was the deputy involved and fatally injured in the line of duty.

“Nick epitomized all that is honored and revered in a peace officer,” said Sheriff Webre. “The tremendous outpouring of love and gratitude from the community is truly appreciated. I ask that you continue to keep Sergeant Nick Pepper and his family, as well as our Sheriff’s Office family, in your thoughts and prayers.”

“Our office is forever grateful for the response of all those involved at the scene including the Louisiana State Police, Thibodaux Police Department, Houma Police Department, Nicholls State University Police Department, Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department, Lafourche Parish Coroner’s Office, and Acadian Ambulance, as well as the staff at Thibodaux Regional Health System for their efforts,” added Sheriff Webre.

Agencies around the state have expressed their condolences for the fallen deputy.

Louisiana State Police is handling the crash and criminal investigation.

Louisiana State Police and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office indicated that this is an active investigation and further information will be released when it becomes available.

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