Arrest Warrant Issued for Driver in Fatal Accident Involving Jefferson Parish Deputy
NEW ORLEANS, LA—An arrest warrant has been issued for a driver involved in a fatal incident that killed a Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office motorcycle deputy, according to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) on Wednesday morning.
Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick confirmed the warrant was presented to a magistrate on Tuesday. While specific charges have not been disclosed, Erica Smith-Katsanis, 53, was booked into the Orleans Justice Center on a charge of vehicular homicide at 4:33 p.m. Wednesday, jail records indicate. A crash report identified Smith-Katsanis as the driver responsible.
The incident occurred in the 9200 block of Airline Highway shortly before noon on January 30, when authorities believe Smith-Katsanis struck Deputy Christopher Paul Ohlmeyer, 41, as he worked an off-duty detail. Ohlmeyer, a 14-year veteran of the JPSO, was in the center lane while a funeral procession traveled in the far left lane. As he slowed to stop, the sedan collided with the rear of his motorcycle, ejecting him from the bike.
Ohlmeyer was pronounced dead at a hospital. The driver suffered injuries and was also treated at the hospital. As of now, the NOPD has not confirmed whether Smith-Katsanis is in custody. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.