Aggrostats

May 23, 2009

Pedestrian Killed in Hit and Run Crash

A pedestrian was killed in a hit and run crash while he was walking on the shoulder of a highway.

The crash occurred on May 22, 2009 at about 10:05 pm on US Hwy 80 near Fillmore Dr (Presidential Estates) in Ouachita Parish. A 1998 Toyota 4-Runner was traveling west on US Hwy 80. An unknown vehicle was traveling east on Hwy 80 when it made a left turn directly into the path of the Toyota. The driver of the Toyota, identified as 29 year old Jarrod Martindale from Downsville, took evasive action to avoid the collision, but lost control of his vehicle. The Toyota slid onto the westbound shoulder where it struck a sixteen year old juvenile pedestrian.

The unknown vehicle that caused the crash left the scene. Witnesses described this vehicle as a "pewter" or grey colored compact car.

The juvenile pedestrian (16 years old from Monroe) was pronounced dead at the scene by the Ouachita Parish Coroner's Office.

The driver of the Toyota, Jarrod Martindale, was not injured in the crash.

Anyone with information which may help identify the other car and driver involved in this crash is asked to call the Troop F office at (318)345-0000 or their local law enforcement agency.

This is the second fatal crash involving pedestrians that Troop F Troopers have investigated this week. Pedestrians are reminded to only be on or near major highways when absolutely necessary. Pedestrians should wear lightly colored or reflective clothing and should walk on the left side of the road against the flow of traffic.
Drivers should exercise due care when pedestrians are on or near a roadway.

In 2009, Louisiana State Police Troop F Troopers have investigated thirteen (13) fatal crashes resulting in fifteen (15) deaths.

Contact Information,

Trooper First Class Mark Dennis
Louisiana State Police
Troop F Public Affairs
Office: (318) 345-2810