AMY SZPARA

LAPLACE – St. John Sheriff’s Office deputies and Louisiana State Police are still searching for the person responsible for a hit-and-run which took the life of a popular LaPlace man late last Friday night. Kenneth Tassin, 41, was riding his white Alpine Eagle Magna bicycle on River Road around 10 p.m. that night, when a dark-colored Ford pickup truck hit him and fled the scene. According to Capt. Mike Tregre of the St. John Sheriff’s Office, police believe the incident was an accident and are hoping the individual responsible will come forward. “He was like an unofficial elected official,” said Tregre of Tassin. “Everyone knew him, and he really touched you.” Tassin, who was mentally handicapped, was known for riding his bike around town and for helping people. “He always had a big, old smile for you whenever you saw him,” said Tregre, who added that Tassin often could be found around the sheriff’s department. “This case is real personal to a lot of people in the department. I’m going to miss him,” Tregre said. Tregre remembers Tassin fondly, and he told a story of Tassin always asking him for a sheriff’s officer cap. The particular cap, which sat in Tregre’s office, was signed by someone special to him and he couldn’t give it away. Tassin always asked him for it. Eventually Tregre put it away. “I hate to take it out now, though,” he said. Authorities are hoping the driver of the truck which struck Tassin will come forward on his own. They believe the person is familiar with the LaPlace area and most likely lives in this area. The truck is believed to be a Ford F-150 or F-250. “For whatever reason this person did not stop, they are going to either have to live with this in the back of their head or they can come forward and do what is right,” said Tregre. “Maybe they are sorry for what they did and don’t know how to say that they’re sorry. They are still in a position to help, say that they are sorry, that they were scared.” Authorities said they are willing to work with the person if he/she comes forward. What they will not do is stop looking for the driver. “I will always be looking for this truck,” said Tregre. “I will never stop looking for it.” Police are asking anyone in the community with information come forward. “In the past, the community has come through for us. All it will take is one phone call,” Tregre said. Anyone with information about the accident is urged to call Trooper Chris Anderson at 471-2775 or the St. John Sheriff’s Office at 652-9513. Tregre added that Tassin’s family deserves to know exactly what happened, who was responsible. That is what the driver can now do, he said. Authorities want the driver to know Tassin was a well-loved man and the family deserves closure. “He was simplistic,” added Tregre. “He was just a good guy.” Services for Tassin were held yesterday morning at Milesville Memorial Church of God in Christ. Interment was at Providence Rest Haven in LaPlace.