Impaired Driver Injures Lafayette Police Officer in Hit-and-Run Crash

Carencro – On July 31, 2024, shortly after 9:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I was called to investigate a hit-and-run crash involving two-vehicles on the entrance ramp to Interstate 49 at Gloria Switch Road. One of the vehicles involved was a Lafayette Police Department (LPD) Motors Unit motorcycle. The investigation led to the arrest of 34-year-old Chelsea Meaux of Breaux Bridge.

The preliminary investigation revealed that an LPD officer on a motorcycle, with emergency lights activated, was blocking the entrance ramp from Gloria Switch Road to I-49 for a funeral procession traveling south. At the same time, a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Meaux, approached the officer on the entrance ramp. The Chevrolet failed to stop for the emergency vehicle and struck the officer and motorcycle. After the crash, Meaux left the scene without offering assistance or checking on the officer. Responding LPD officers quickly located and stopped her.

Troopers determined Meaux to be impaired and placed her under arrest. She provided a voluntary breath sample which showed a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit. Meaux was booked into the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office Jail on the charges of DWI 1st offense, felony hit-and-run, first-degree negligent injuring, and careless operation.

The officer sustained moderate to severe injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital, where they are now in stable condition. Meaux was uninjured in the crash.

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:

TPR Peggy Bourque

Louisiana State Police

Public Affairs Section – Troop I

Office: (337) 262 - 5880

[email protected]