Motorcycle officer struck by impaired driver, Lafayette police say
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- A Lafayette police motorcycle officer is in serious condition after being struck by an allegedly impaired driver, authorities said.
Police have arrested 34-year old Chelsea Elizabeth Meaux of Breaux Bridge in connection to the crash. She is charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated (1st offense), felony hit and run driving, first degree vehicular negligent injuring and careless operation. She is being held in the Lafayette Parish jail.
According to State Police, an LPD officer on a motorcycle, with emergency lights activated, was blocking the entrance ramp from Gloria Switch Road to I-49 for a funeral procession traveling south. At the same time, a car, driven by Meaux, approached the officer on the entrance ramp. Police say she failed to stop for the emergency vehicle and struck the officer and motorcycle.
After the crash, Meaux left the scene without offering assistance or checking on the officer. Responding LPD officers quickly located and stopped her. Troopers said Meaux provided a voluntary breath sample which showed a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit.
The officer is in stable but serious condition at an area hospital, police said.