Lafayette, LA — A 25-year-old Eunice man has died after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident on South Aymond Street (LA 13) Friday evening, December 13. Authorities have since apprehended the driver involved in the crash.
According to Eunice police, officers responded to the scene just before 5:30 p.m., where they found Darius Edwards lying unresponsive on the roadway. Bystanders had begun performing CPR on Edwards, and officers immediately took over life-saving efforts until the Eunice Fire Department and EMS medics arrived.
Witnesses told authorities that Edwards had been riding an electric motorized scooter northbound in the center turn lane when he was struck by a gray SUV traveling southbound at a high rate of speed. The SUV, which was reportedly passing other vehicles in the no-passing zone, briefly stopped at the scene before fleeing southbound on LA 13.
Edwards was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead from his injuries.
Following the crash, Eunice police launched an investigation and were able to collect physical evidence at the scene. They also received crucial tips from anonymous sources, which led to the identification of the suspect vehicle and driver. The vehicle was located, and the driver was identified as 49-year-old Kevin Thomas Sr. of Eunice.
Thomas was arrested and charged with negligent homicide, hit-and-run (with death or serious bodily injury), driving with a suspended license, and passing in a no-passing zone. Authorities credited the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office and the anonymous tipsters for their assistance in solving the case.
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of accountability in the aftermath of a crash. Local authorities have urged the community to continue to provide information to help solve criminal investigations.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional details may be released as the case progresses.