Details, Identity of Suspect Released in DUI Hit-and-Run Hospitalizing Lafayette Motorcycle Officer

A Lafayette Police Department motorcycle officer was hospitalized following a hit-and-run crash on Wednesday night (Jul 31), while blocking an entrance ramp for a funeral procession for fallen Sr. Cpl. Segus Jolivette. The accident, which occurred shortly after 9 p.m. at the entrance ramp to Interstate 49 at Gloria Switch Road, led to the arrest of 34-year-old Chelsea Meaux from Breaux Bridge.

According to Peggy Bourque with the Louisiana State Police Troop I, the LPD officer was on a motorcycle with emergency lights activated, facilitating the safe passage of the funeral procession traveling south. LPD officers were escorting all the vehicles from the church back to the police department when the incident occurred. Meaux, driving a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, approached the officer on the ramp and failed to stop, colliding with the officer and the motorcycle. After the crash, Meaux fled the scene without offering assistance.

Responding LPD officers quickly located and apprehended Meaux. Troopers determined that she was impaired, and she voluntarily provided a breath sample that indicated her blood alcohol concentration was over the legal limit. Meaux was booked into the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office Jail on charges of DWI (1st offense), felony hit-and-run, first-degree negligent injuring, and careless operation.

The injured officer sustained moderate to severe injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains in stable condition. Meaux was uninjured in the crash.

The Louisiana State Police emphasized the dangers of impaired driving, highlighting that alcohol, prescription drugs, and other substances negatively impact driving skills, including visual ability, sense of time and space, fine motor skills, and reaction times. Motorists are urged to plan ahead and designate a sober driver to avoid potentially deadly consequences.

Louisiana State Police continues to investigate the crash and reminds the public to report any suspicious or impaired driving to authorities.

Our thoughts are with the injured officer, his family, and all law enforcement during this difficult time.