By LEONARD GRAY

Managing Editor

LAPLACE — A still-unidentified man was reported barking like a dog at passing cars and rolling on the ground, until he was taken to River Parishes Hospital with a high fever and died an hour later.

Maj. Michael Tregre of the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office reported that the sheriff’s office was notified Friday afternoon of the strange, dog-like behavior of the man, who appeared to be in his mid-20s.

A deputy who arrived at the scene on La. Highway 628 found him lying in the roadside, breathing heavily but otherwise not responding. An ambulance took the man to River Parishes Hospital where he was reported to have a 108-degree fever, Tregre said.

The sheriff’s office was notified that the man died at 5:58 p.m. that day.

He was described as having medium-length hair and numerous tattoos on his upper arms.

Anyone with informationabout this case should call the sheriff’s office at (985) 652-9513.