A Slidell man is facing a vehicular homicide charge after hitting a pedestrian on Friday, May 10.
Shortly before 3:30pm, Slidell Police responded to a vehicle vs. pedestrian crash on Gause Boulevard W. (Highway 190W). When officers arrived, they observed a man suffering from injuries in the roadway, and a red 2005 Chevrolet Silverado, badly damaged in a ditch.
The victim, identified as 42 YO Jairus Pratt, was walking east on the shoulder of Gause Boulevard W. For reasons still under investigation, the red Chevy pickup truck, driven by 36 YO Eric Gonzalez, left the roadway and struck Pratt.
As a result of the crash, Pratt suffered fatal injuries and later died at a local hospital.
Evidence supported that Gonzalez was driving impaired. As a result, he was placed under arrest for: Driving Under the Influence, Carless Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Vehicular Homicide.
Official toxicology results are pending.
