LPSO Cruiser, Pedestrian Collide In Fatal Crash

Louisiana State Police are investigating a fatal crash involving a Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office cruiser and a Lafayette pedestrian.

Sheriff's spokesperson Cept. John Babin said the accident occurred on Gloria Switch Road, near DeSoto Road, at approximately 11:40 p.m. Friday night.

Master Trooper Brooks David said the victim, 34-year-old Grant Hamilton, was standing n the eastbound lane of Gloria Switch Road when he was struck by the LPSO cruiser driven by 22-year-old Deputy John Malveaux.

Malveaaux submitted to a breath alcohol test showing no detectable signs of alcohol.  Impairment on the part of Hamilton is unknown at this time with toxicology analysis to be conducted by the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab.

Babin said the deputy was responding to a non-emergency dispatched call, traveling east on Gloria Switch Road, when he collided with the pedestrian in the road.

The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Davis said Louisiana State Police urge pedestrians and motorist to remain vigilant of each other, especially through the night. The majority of pedestrian fatalities occur between dusk and dawn, under poor lighting conditions.