Pedestrian Killed and Driver Arrested in Louisiana in Early Morning Crash on I-49 Near Alexandria

Rapides Parish, Louisiana – A pedestrian was killed and a driver was arrested in Louisiana in an early morning crash on I-49 near Alexandria.

Louisiana State Police (LSP) stated on June 12, 2023, that at around 3:00 a.m., LSP Troop E responded to a fatal crash on I-49 south of Alexandria. Christopher C. Arnold, 39, of Glenmora, Louisiana, was killed in the crash.

Lousiana State Police indicated that the initial investigation found that Leilah G. Guillory, 19, of Forest Hill, Louisiana, was driving a 2019 Nissan Sentra south on I-49. Guillory hit Arnold for reasons that are still being investigated. As a result, he sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.

Guillory was taken to Troop E and subjected to a chemical test. Guillory was eventually apprehended and booked into the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Jail. She was charged with 1st offense DWI and hit-and-run. The crash is still being investigated.

In a press release about the crash, Louisiana State Police said that they would like to remind all motorists that if you feel differently, you drive differently. Alcohol, prescription drugs, and other drugs have many effects on the body that negatively affect driving skills. These drugs can impair visual ability, alter the sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. Not doing so can have deadly consequences.

So far in 2023, Troop E Troopers have investigated 25 fatal crashes resulting in 28 fatalities.

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