Pedestrian Killed on Interstate 10 in Acadia Parish Crash

Acadia Parish – On December 4, 2023, shortly after 3:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to a report of a pedestrian struck in the westbound lane of I-10 west of Crowley near mile marker 79. The pedestrian has been identified as 44-year-old David Valladares of San Benito, Texas.

The preliminary investigation revealed two occupants of a westbound vehicle became involved in a physical altercation. Once the driver stopped the vehicle on the shoulder, the rear passenger, Valladares, and the driver exited the vehicle, and a second altercation ensued. At some point during the second altercation, Valladares was struck by a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am while in the middle of the right westbound travel lane. After impact, Valladares was struck a second time by a 2006 Peterbilt dump truck.

Valladares was pronounced dead at the scene by the Acadia Parish Coroner’s Office. The drivers of the Pontiac and the Peterbilt both submitted a breath sample indicating no alcohol present and displayed no signs of impairment. This crash remains under investigation.

Troop I has investigated 48 fatal crashes resulting in 53 deaths since the beginning of 2023.

Contact Information:

TFC Thomas Gossen

Louisiana State Police
Troop I Public Affairs

Office: (337) 262-5880
thomas.gossen@la.gov