Authorities Search for Second Vehicle in Fatal St. Landry Parish Pedestrian Crash
ST. LANDRY PARISH, La. — Louisiana State Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a vehicle involved in a tragic fatal crash that occurred early Wednesday morning.
Shortly before 2:00 a.m., troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to a two-vehicle crash involving a pedestrian on U.S. Highway 167 near Flamingo Road. The incident claimed the life of 42-year-old Chrystal Thevis of Opelousas.
Sequence of Events
According to preliminary findings, a 2011 Toyota 4Runner was traveling southbound on US 167 when it struck Thevis, who was walking in the roadway wearing dark-colored clothing. Moments later, a second southbound vehicle also struck Thevis before fleeing the scene.
The unidentified second vehicle did not stop, and investigators are working to gather any leads that could help track it down.
Victim and Driver Details
Troopers confirmed that Thevis sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the 4Runner, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was uninjured.
While impairment is not suspected in the case of the 4Runner’s driver, they voluntarily submitted a breath sample, which showed no detectable alcohol. As is standard procedure in fatal crashes, a toxicology sample was collected from Thevis and sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
The incident remains under investigation, with authorities placing particular emphasis on identifying the hit-and-run driver of the second vehicle. Louisiana State Police urge anyone with information — whether from direct witness accounts, dashcam footage, or surveillance cameras in the area — to come forward immediately.
Leaving the scene of a crash involving a fatality is a serious offense in Louisiana and carries severe legal consequences. Officials are reminding drivers to remain at crash scenes, render aid if possible, and cooperate fully with law enforcement.
Community Impact
The sudden loss of Chrystal Thevis has left her family, friends, and the Opelousas community in shock and mourning. This tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of pedestrian visibility during nighttime travel and the responsibility of all motorists to remain vigilant on the road.
Louisiana State Police will continue to provide updates as the investigation develops and as efforts intensify to locate the second vehicle involved in the crash.
