Further Investigation Leads to the Arrest of Three Involving Fatal Pedestrian Crash

TROOP A NEWS RELEASE UPDATE

July 29, 2023

Further Investigation Leads to the Arrest of Three Involving Fatal Pedestrian Crash

Gonzales – On July 28, 2023, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A made several arrests in the fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of 41-year-old Sarah Berteau.

Through investigative means, Troopers identified 18-year-old Alexander Andrade of Gonzales as the driver of the 2015 Dodge Dart that struck Berteau. Due to conflicting written statements, 30-year-old Charlie Andrade and 57-year-old Maria Diaz-Deandrade of Gonzales were both arrested regarding their involvement in the case.

Alexander Andrade was charged with Felony hit-and-run driving, Failure to seek assistance, and No Driver’s License. Charlie Andrade was charged with Accessories after the fact, Failure to seek assistance, and Injuring public records. Maria Diaz-Deandrade was charged with Accessories after the fact, Injuring public records, and Obstruction of justice. All subjects were booked into the Ascension Parish Jail.

TROOP A ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE

July 24, 2023

Gonzales – Earlier this morning, shortly after 1:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a single-vehicle crash involving a pedestrian on LA 935 near Roddy Road in Ascension Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 41-year-old Sarah Berteau of St. Amant.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2015 Dodge Dart was headed east on LA 935. For reasons still under investigation, Berteau was walking east on LA 935 when she was struck from behind by the Dodge. Berteau was wearing dark colored clothing at the time of crash.

Berteau sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of the Dodge was properly restrained and sustained minor injuries in the crash. Impairment is not suspected for the driver of the Dodge and is unknown for Berteau. Standard toxicology samples were taken from both the driver and Berteau and will be submitted for analysis. Both crashes remain under investigation.

Contact Information:

TPR Christian Reed

Louisiana State Police – Troop A

Public Affairs Section

Office: (225) 754-8524

Christian.Reed2@la.gov