Prairieville man arrested after fatal hit and run

State Police arrested an Ascension Parish man Sunday following a fatal hit and run crash Saturday night, according to Sgt. Markus Smith.

Jeremy W. Wendt, 34, of Walker, was struck by a vehicle while he was walking along Hwy. 447 near Henry Drive, south of Interstate 12 at about 7:49 p.m. Saturday, Smith said.

The driver fled the scene and there were no known witnesses so troopers partnered with the local television media to ask for help from the public in identifying the suspect vehicle and driver, Smith said.

A witness contacted troopers with information that helped lead them to the location of the suspect vehicle, a 1989 Ford F-150 truck, which was located at Fred’s Lounge near Port Vincent, Smith reported.

He said the truck’s damage was consistent with evidence and information troopers obtained at the scene.

Troopers located the suspected driver, 47-year-old Adam J. May, at his Prairieville residence and arrested him for hit and run, Smith said.

May was booked as a fugitive into the Ascension Parish Detention Center and later transported to the Livingston Parish Detention Center, Smith said.

Troopers suspect alcohol use by May and additional charges are pending completion of the investigation, according to Smith.

Alcohol use by Wendt is unknown, but a blood sample was taken and will be analyzed, Smith said.