At around 9:20 p.m., Wednesday, December 24, a Troop I trooper drove upon a three vehicle hit and run fatality crash on US 190 near Prudomme Lane, east of Opelousas. Twenty-one-year-old Delonda Batiste of Opelousas, was operating a 2000 Ford Explorer, westbound on US 190 approaching Acadiana Prep Circle. Twenty-year-old Jamie Andrus of Port Barre, also was traveling westbound on US 190. A late model Dodge Charger was at the stop sign on Acadiana Prep Circle.
The Dodge Charger entered US 190 into the path of Batiste and Andrus. Andrus applied her brakes attempting to avoid a collision but skidded into the rear of the Dodge Charger. Batiste steered right in an attempt to avoid a collision with the other vehicles, traveled across Acadiana Prep Circle, and drove through the ditch. The Bastiste vehicle continued west traveling across Prudomme Lane where it rolled over and struck a utility pole. The late model grey Dodge Charger, fled the scene west on US 190 toward Opelousas. Batiste was trapped in the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene by St. Landry Parish Assistant Coroner Toby Savoy.
Andrus sustained minor injuries in the crash and was subsequently booked into the St. Landry Parish Jail for possession of marijuana.
The grey Dodge Charger should have moderate to heavy damage to the rear bumper area. If anyone has any information on this Dodge Charger, please contact State Police Troop I at 337-262-5880.
Editor’s Note: This is a reminder from Troop I’s public information Officer David Anderson, “Alcohol or Drugs, Impairment is Impairment! Drive Impaired Get Arrested” and “Remember, Seatbelts aren’t as confining as a wheel chair or a casket.”
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