GRETNA, La. — Authorities say a driver is in custody following a hit-and-run crash in Jefferson Parish that left one person dead and another injured earlier this week.
According to the Louisiana State Police, the crash happened shortly after midnight on Monday on the Westbank Expressway near Stumpf Boulevard. Troopers say 46-year-old Fredrika J. Smith and another person left their car in the right lane near the Stumpf Boulevard exit and began walking down the exit ramp when they were struck by a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado.
Investigators say the driver of the Silverado, later identified as 42-year-old Keichelle Adams of Marrero, fled the scene, drove to a nearby parking lot and abandoned the pickup truck.
Smith suffered fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. The other pedestrian was transported to a hospital with serious injuries.
On Tuesday, troopers arrested Adams on charges of hit and run resulting in death or injury, driving under suspension, no insurance in a crash and an active warrant. Adams was booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center.
Investigators did not say why Smith and the other pedestrian abandoned their vehicle on the expressway.
State police say the crash remains under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to call LSP Troop B at 504-471-2775 or Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111.
