Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : Louisiana State Police Troop I recently responded to a tragic incident involving a pedestrian being hit on Interstate 10. The incident occurred on December 4, just after 3:00 a.m., in the westbound lane of I-10 near mile marker 79, close to Crowley.
The pedestrian has been identified as 44-year-old David Valladares, hailing from San Benito, Texas. According to the investigation conducted by the troopers, it was revealed that two occupants of a westbound vehicle engaged in a physical altercation. As a result, the driver decided to pull over onto the shoulder of the road. Both the driver and the rear passenger, Valladares, stepped out of the vehicle, leading to a second altercation.
Tragically, during this second altercation, Valladares was struck by a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am while standing in the middle of the right westbound travel lane. The impact was severe, but the ordeal did not end there. Valladares was then hit a second time, this time by a 2006 Peterbilt dump truck.
Upon arrival at the scene, the Acadia Parish Coroner’s Office pronounced Valladares dead. The drivers of both the Pontiac and the Peterbilt cooperated with the authorities and submitted breath samples, which indicated the absence of alcohol. Additionally, they displayed no signs of impairment.
The investigation into this tragic incident is still ongoing, as authorities work diligently to uncover all the details surrounding the altercation and subsequent accidents.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining calm and resolving conflicts peacefully, especially when on the road. Altercations can quickly escalate and have devastating consequences, as exemplified by the unfortunate loss of David Valladares’ life.
As the investigation continues, it is crucial for all road users to exercise caution, remain vigilant, and prioritize safety. The Louisiana State Police Troop I, along with other law enforcement agencies, will continue working diligently to ensure justice is served and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.