A Carencro man died after a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 49 Service Road while riding an electric scooter, according to Louisiana State Police.
The crash claimed the life of 32-year-old Rene Vargas of Carencro.
The crash occurred on Sunday, just after 9:15 p.m., where the Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating the fatal hit and-run crash on Interstate 49 Service Road near Turf Lane.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Vargas was driving an electric scooter on I-49 Service Road traveling south and at the same time, a 2014 Ford Focus was traveling south on I-49 Service Road behind Vargas. For reasons still under investigation, the Ford struck Vargas on the electric scooter from behind and fled the scene.
Vargas sustained fatal injuries and died on scene. A standard toxicology sample was collected from Vargas and submitted for analysis.
Through investigative means, detectives identified Malachi Thibodeaux, 20, of Grand Coteau as the driver of the Ford at the time of the crash.
Louisiana State Police Troopers and Detectives arrested and booked Thibodeaux in Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on a charge of Hit-and-Run Resulting in Death.
According to Louisiana State Police, state law requires electric low-speed scooter riders to follow traffic laws, operate with functioning brakes, proper lighting and prohibits operation on roads with speed limits higher than 35 mph. Helmets are required for riders younger than 17 and encouraged for all riders.
State police also thanked the community for its assistance, saying an anonymous tip helped investigators identify the suspect.
This crash remains under investigation.