Lafayette police identify driver in NW Evangeline Thruway hit-and-run

A hit-and-run crash on NW Evangeline Thruway in Lafayette, Louisiana, caused significant damage to a light pole, street signs, and a fire hydrant on September 15. The incident, which occurred around 2:01 p.m., forced authorities to close the roadway for several hours while utility crews addressed the damaged hydrant and shut off the water.

Lafayette Police Department investigators determined that a southbound vehicle veered off the roadway for unknown reasons before striking the objects and fleeing the scene. Officers later located the suspect vehicle in the 400 block of St. John Street. The driver, 51-year-old Courtney Prejean of Lafayette, was issued citations for hit and run, careless operation, and failure to register a vehicle. No injuries were reported in connection with the crash.