LaPlace man killed in Thursday hit & run
Published 9:57 am Friday, May 8, 2015
LAPLACE — A St. Rose woman left the scene of fatal wreck Thursday night that resulted in the death of a LaPlace man, authorities said.
Trooper Melissa Matey of Louisiana State Police said the collision claimed the life of 55-year-old Wellman Joseph of Laplace.
According to Matey, preliminary investigation indicates 29-year-old Darla Gauthreaux of St. Rose was driving a 2012 Nissan west on Louisiana 636-3 near Water Plant Road shortly before 11 p.m. Thursday.
“Joseph was operating a bicycle west on Louisiana 636-3 and was struck by the Nissan,” Matey said. “Joseph was ejected from the bicycle and died on the scene.
“Gauthreaux fled the scene following the crash, and a family member at Gauthreaux’s residence notified the St. John Sheriff’s Office about the crash.”
Gauthreaux was arrested for vehicular homicide, DWI, careless operation and felony hit and run after State Police personnel interviewed her. As of press time Friday morning, Gauthreaux’s bond was not set.
She was booked into the St. John Parish jail.
The crash remains under investigation, Matey said.