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Shortly after 8 p.m. Saturday night, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop B began investigating a hit and run fatality crash involving a pedestrian on US 61 at Windsor Street in St. John the Baptist Parish. The crash took the life of 72-year-old Medford Auguste of Laplace, LA and resulted in the arrest of 47-year-old Lobo Santos of Laplace, LA.

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Auguste attempted to cross US 61 near the intersection of Windsor Street. At the same time, Santos was traveling northbound on US 61 in a 2004 Dodge Ram pick-up. Santos struck Auguste with his vehicle and fled scene.

Auguste sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. It is unknown if Auguste was impaired at the time of the crash but a toxicology sample will be taken for analysis during autopsy.

Immediately after the crash, Troopers located Santos and his vehicle. Santos was placed under arrest and given a chemical breath test for intoxication. Santos was booked into the St. John Corrections Center for Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a Driver’s License and Hit and Run. Impairment is also suspected to be a factor on part of Santos and charges may be forthcoming. This crash remains under investigation, and there is no further information at this time.

Troopers urge pedestrians to maintain a heightened level of awareness while walking near the road. Simple precautions such as wearing reflective materials, avoiding distractions, and walking a safe distance from travel lanes while facing oncoming traffic could help prevent many pedestrian related crashes. Troopers would also like to take this opportunity to remind motorists that making good choices, such as never driving while impaired and ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, can often be the key to preventing and surviving serious crashes.