**UPDATE** Impaired Driver Arrested in Death of Bicyclist

Laplace – Troopers have continued to investigate the crash that claimed the life of 61-year-old John Howard in Laplace. Following the crash, standard toxicology samples were collected from the driver of the 2016 Ford F-150 Pickup, 66-year-old Carlton Morris of Laplace. The toxicology sample results indicated that Morris’ Blood Alcohol Content was over the legal limit at the time of the crash. Given the findings, Troopers with the Louisiana State Police Troop B obtained an arrest warrant for Morris for Vehicular Homicide through the 40th Judicial District Court.

On Monday, January 20, 2025, Morris turned himself in to Troopers and was booked into the St. John the Baptist Parish Jail for the outstanding warrant. This crash remains under investigation.

Initial Release December 14, 2024:

Bicyclist Killed in St. John the Baptist Parish Crash

Laplace – On Friday, December 13, 2024, around 7:30 pm, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B were notified of a two-vehicle crash involving a bicyclist on US 61 near LA 3188 (Belle Terre Boulevard) in St. John the Baptist Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 61-year-old John Howard of Laplace.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2016 Ford F-150 Pickup was traveling south on US 61 near LA 3188 in the right lane. At the same time, for unknown reasons, Howard was attempting to cross US 61 on a bicycle. Howard crossed the northbound lanes of US 61 and the left southbound lane. Howard then entered the right southbound lane, directly in the Ford’s path. As a result, the Ford struck Howard. Howard suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he died. The driver of the Ford was properly restrained and uninjured.

Although impairment on the part of the Ford driver was not suspected, a voluntary blood sample was collected and will be submitted for analysis. Impairment of Howard is unknown, and routine toxicology results are pending. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers want to remind bicyclists that Louisiana law classifies bicycles as vehicles, meaning cyclists must adhere to the same traffic laws as motorists. Never assume that a motorist can see you, and remember it’s important to stay visible by using appropriate lighting and wearing bright or reflective clothing in low-light conditions. For additional information on bicycle safety, visit the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s website at https://www.lahighwaysafety.org/our-programs/bicycle-pedestrian-safety/.

Contact Information:
Trooper First Class Jacob Pucheu
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop B
Office: (504) 471-2775
[email protected]