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LSP credit social media for quick arrest in deadly hit-and-run

7 years 10 months 3 weeks ago Tuesday, April 26 2016 Apr 26, 2016 April 26, 2016 4:17 PM April 26, 2016 in News
Source: WBRZ

HAMMOND - State Police have arrested the suspect believed to be behind a fatal hit-and-run crash that took the life of bicyclist on LA 443 near Hammond Tuesday morning.

Troopers say the crash happened at 6 a.m., taking the life of 30-year-old Anand Singh Asi. Tuesday afternoon, State Police reported the arrest of 32-year-old Brandon Fowler, of Amite, for his involvement in the deadly crash.

State Police said the on-scene investigation led Troopers to determine that Asi was riding a Cannondale Quick CX bicycle southbound on LA 443 on the right fog line. As Asi was traveling southbound, he was struck from behind by a Chevy Silverado 2500 pickup truck driven by Fowler.

Witnesses at the scene said the truck fled southbound on LA 443 toward US 190. Hammond Police, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, witnesses and Louisiana State Police took part in the investigation, allowing Troopers to locate the vehicle and identify Fowler as the driver behind the crash.

Just before 3 p.m., LSP reported Fowler was taken into custody by Troopers on charges of felony hit-and-run and illegal passing of a bicycle. Further charges will be referred to the attorney general in Tangipahoa.

As troopers searched for a suspect, hundreds shared their post on social media. State Police credit tips received from people who saw that post for the quick arrest.

Investigators say Asi was wearing an approved helmet and his bike was equipped with lamps in the front and rear. He was severely injured in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene by the parish coroner. Blood samples have been taken from the involved parties for toxicology tests at the LSP Crime Lab.

Anyone with more information about the crash is urged to contact Louisiana State Police Troop L at (985) 893-6520.

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