Driver Arrested Following Fatal Jefferson Parish Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Crash

TROOP B NEWS RELEASE
April 24, 2026

Elmwood – On April 22, 2026, shortly after 9:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B and detectives with the LSP Bureau of Investigations - New Orleans Field Office began investigating a hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian on Louisiana Highway 48 near Edwards Avenue in Jefferson Parish. The crash claimed the life of a 43-year-old man from New Orleans, whose identity is being withheld as efforts continue to notify next of kin.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the pedestrian was walking across the westbound lanes of LA Highway 48 while wearing dark colored clothing. At the same time, a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse was traveling west on LA Highway 48. For reasons still under investigation, the pedestrian was struck by the Chevrolet. Following the crash, the driver of the Chevrolet left the scene.

The pedestrian sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment, where he later died.

Through investigative means, detectives identified 47-year-old Veleka Dabney-Swan of White Castle as the driver of the Chevrolet at the time of the crash. On April 23, 2026, Louisiana State Police arrested Dabney-Swan in connection with the fatal hit-and-run and processed her at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center on a charge of LA RS 14:100 - Hit-and-Run Resulting in Death. This crash remains under investigation.

As investigators continue to gather all information related to this crash, anyone with information that could assist is encouraged to contact Louisiana State Police Troop B at (504) 471-2775. Anonymous submissions can also be made by visiting lsp.org and selecting the “Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity” link.

Contact Information:
Trooper Kyle Wagner
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop B
(504) 202-6900
[email protected]