LAFAYETTE, La. — The Lafayette Police Department is investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred in the 1600 block of West Pinhook Road early Sunday morning, January 19, around 12:15 a.m.
According to the preliminary investigation, an SUV traveling eastbound in the inside lane struck a bicyclist. After the collision, the driver of the SUV fled the scene, prompting a search by local authorities. The bicyclist, later identified as 49-year-old Derrick Miller, was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead from his injuries.
The driver of the SUV, identified as 54-year-old Darrel Whittington, was located later in the 100 block of Rue Beauregard. Whittington was arrested and taken into custody on several charges, including felony hit-and-run, vehicular homicide, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated (second offense). Additional charges of self-mutilation by a prisoner were also filed.
Authorities believe that Whittington was impaired at the time of the crash, though further investigations are ongoing.
As a result of the incident, West Pinhook Road near West Joe Oliver Road was temporarily closed for several hours. The roadway has since been reopened.
The Lafayette Police Department’s Traffic Division is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.