Mamou Man Arrested for Vehicular Homicide Following Hit and Run Investigation

A Mamou man is in jail tonight for vehicular homicide following a hit and run investigation that left a 30 year old man dead.

 

On October 19, 2013, at 1:50 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a fatal hit and run crash on LA Highway 104 in Mamou.  Their initial investigation indicated that in the early morning hours of the 19^th, 30-year-old Johnaton Ben of Mamou was walking east on LA Highway 104 when he was struck from behind by a vehicle which fled the scene.

 

In the days following the crash, Troopers were able to obtain information that a 2009 Dodge Ram truck, driven by 32-year-old Kenneth Romero of Mamou, was the vehicle which struck Ben.  Based on the information Troopers obtained a warrant for Romero’s arrest.  This evening, Troopers arrested Romero without incident at his home.  He was booked into the Evangeline Parish Jail for vehicular homicide and felony hit and run. 

 

Troopers were assisted in their investigation by Deputies with the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office.  This crash remains under investigation.

 

Last year, 62% of the fatal crashes investigated by Troop I involved some form of impairment.  While results are still pending in this crash, Troopers remind drivers about the dangers of impaired driving.  Even after having just one drink, decision making abilities are hindered.  Make the responsible decision every time, don’t drink and drive.