Aggrostats

May 19, 2009

**Update**Mother and Child Injured in Hit and Run Crash

An arrest has been made in the hit and run crash that seriously injured a mother and her five year old child.

On May 18, 2009 at about 8:15 pm, Louisiana State Police Troop F Troopers arrested 37 year old Kimberly Jo Pope from Ruston for her involvement in the crash. Pope surrendered herself to troopers and her statements, along with evidence obtained during the investigation, lead troopers to book her at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for two counts of Negligent Injuring, Hit and Run Driving and Driving with a Suspended License.

Pope had been driving a 1995 Dodge truck (blue in color) when she struck the mother and her child on LA 146.



Original Release:

A mother and her five year old child have been seriously injured in a hit and run crash.

The crash occurred on LA 146 near the Ruston city limits on May 14, 2009 at about 11:30 am. Leaundra Modest, 20 years old from Ruston, and her five year old daughter were traveling east on LA 146 on a "Razor" type scooter when they were struck from behind by an unknown green truck. Witnesses stated that the truck had just passed another unidentified vehicle when it struck the scooter and its passengers. Reportedly, the truck slowed down briefly before continuing east on LA 146 without stopping.

Modest and her daughter were transported to a local hospital and later transferred to the LSU-Shreveport hospital with serious injuries. They were not wearing helmets and the scooter is not rated for use on the roadway.

The unknown truck involved was described as an older model green truck with a green camper shell. The truck may be a Dodge or Chevrolet. The driver was described as a white female.

Anyone with information which may help identify the truck 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 crash is still under investigation.

Contact Information,

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