St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Fatally Struck by Fleeing Juvenile Suspects on I-10
Slidell, LA – March 23, 2025
A St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Deputy was tragically killed Saturday night after being struck by a vehicle driven by juvenile suspects attempting to flee law enforcement. The incident occurred on Interstate 10 near the Oak Harbor exit in Slidell, sending shockwaves through the local law enforcement community and beyond.
Authorities have since confirmed that the suspects, whose names have not been publicly released due to their ages, were juveniles engaged in a high-speed pursuit before fatally hitting the deputy.
A Deadly Encounter on I-10
According to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (STPSO), the incident began when deputies attempted to pull over a suspicious vehicle late Saturday evening. The vehicle, later determined to be stolen, refused to stop and initiated a dangerous high-speed chase along I-10 eastbound.
As deputies pursued the suspects near the Oak Harbor exit, one deputy, who was outside of his patrol car deploying spike strips, was struck by the fleeing vehicle. Despite lifesaving efforts at the scene, the deputy succumbed to his injuries.
Emergency responders arrived immediately, and authorities shut down the highway for several hours as investigators processed the scene.
Suspects Identified as Juveniles
Following the fatal collision, the suspect vehicle crashed a short distance away, and two juvenile occupants attempted to flee on foot. However, law enforcement quickly apprehended them.
Authorities have confirmed that both suspects are minors, though their exact ages and backgrounds have not been disclosed. They are now in custody, facing multiple felony charges, including:
🔹 Manslaughter of a law enforcement officer
🔹 Aggravated flight from an officer
🔹 Possession of a stolen vehicle
🔹 Resisting arrest
Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation unfolds.
Honoring the Fallen Deputy
The fallen deputy’s name has not yet been released, as officials work to notify family members and fellow officers. However, Sheriff Randy Smith expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic loss.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy for our department, the deputy’s family, and our entire community. We are heartbroken, but we will ensure justice is served. The dedication and bravery of this deputy will never be forgotten.”
The Louisiana State Police, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Slidell Police Department are all involved in the investigation and are working to piece together the exact details leading up to the deadly crash.
Community in Mourning
The law enforcement community across Louisiana is mourning the loss of the deputy, marking yet another tragic reminder of the dangers officers face every day.
🔹 Blue ribbons and flags have been placed outside the sheriff’s office as a symbol of mourning and solidarity.
🔹 Residents of St. Tammany Parish have taken to social media to express their condolences, sharing messages of support for the deputy’s family.
🔹 A candlelight vigil is being planned in Slidell to honor the fallen officer.
Call for Justice
Officials have vowed to prosecute the suspects to the fullest extent of the law, despite their juvenile status. Prosecutors are considering charging them as adults due to the severity of the crime.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement is urging anyone who may have witnessed the pursuit or has dashcam footage to come forward and assist with the case.
The tragic death of this deputy serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of reckless crime and the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers to keep communities safe.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.