Impaired Driver Arrested Following Fatal Ouachita Parish Crash

Monroe – On Monday, April 7, 2025, shortly after 4:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash involving a pedestrian on Interstate 20 westbound near milepost 118. The crash claimed the life of 38-year-old Eugenia Bates of Monroe.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2023 Kia Sorento, driven by 26-year-old Mecca King, was traveling west on Interstate 20. At the same time, Bates, who was wearing light-colored clothing, was walking on the right westbound shoulder of Interstate 20. For reasons still under investigation, King gradually veered right onto the shoulder and struck Bates.

Bates suffered severe injuries and was transported to an area hospital where she later died. King was properly restrained and uninjured.

During the investigation, King displayed signs of impairment. Toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. King was subsequently arrested and processed into the Ouachita Correctional Center for vehicular homicide and careless operation. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police would like to remind all motorists that if you feel differently, you drive differently. Alcohol, prescription drugs, and other drugs have many effects on the body that negatively affect driving skills. These drugs can impair visual ability, alter the sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. Not doing so can have deadly consequences.

Contact Information:
TFC Ryan Davis
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section Office:
(318) 345-2810
[email protected]