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Baton Rouge – Shortly after 11 p.m.  on May 8, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a fatal crash involving a pedestrian on LA Hwy 327 (Gardere Lane) south of LA Hwy 42 (Burbank Drive) in East Baton Rouge Parish. The crash took the life of 43-year-old Brandon Hedges and resulted in the arrest of 30-year-old Geoffrey Goynes-Clark, both of Baton Rouge.

The initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as Hedges was walking in the southbound lane of LA Hwy 327. At the same time, Goynes-Clark was traveling southbound on LA Hwy 327 in a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado. While Hedges was walking in the roadway, he was struck by the Chevrolet. After striking Hedges, Goynes-Clark fled the crash scene.

Hedges sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Utilizing witness statements and investigative means, Troopers were able to locate Goynes-Clark and placed him under arrest for violation of LRS 14:100 Hit and Run Driving. As part of the ongoing investigation, toxicology samples were obtained from Hedges and Goynes-Clark for analysis.

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 key to preventing and surviving serious crashes.