State Police are investigating a crash that left an unidentified pedestrian dead.
The man was standing with a bicycle near the fog line in the southbound lane of La. 1 near Rapides Station Road, troopers say. He was struck by a Boyce Police Department car, a 2019 Dodge Charger, that was being driven by an on-duty Boyce Police Officer, troopers say.
The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene, troopers say. The Rapides Parish Coroner's Office is working to identify the man, and is running a toxicology screen. Impairment is not suspected on the part of the officer, but a routine screen was run anyway.
The crash is still under investigation, troopers say.
Troopers say: Pedestrians and motorists alike are urged to remain vigilant while on area roadways and pay close attention to their surroundings. Crashes involving pedestrians, in most cases, can be avoided by following some basic safety guidelines. Pedestrians should wear light-colored or reflective clothing and should always avoid walking, in the roadway, in dark areas. Pedestrians must also assume that approaching motorists cannot see them, especially at night. Crossing roadways only in well-lit, designated areas and always walking facing traffic will enhance the safety for pedestrians.
In 2020, Troop E Troopers have investigated 46 fatal crashes resulting in 54 fatalities.
