A Lake Charles woman died Saturday after being struck by a vehicle on McNeese Street, according to the Lake Charles Police
Department spokesman.
The pedestrian was identified as 53-year-old Deborah Bergeron.
At 9:34 p.m. Saturday, a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche was traveling westbound on McNeese Street.
“As it slowed and entered the middle turn lane to make a left turn onto South Park, it collided with (Bergeron) who was walking
east in the turn lane,” LCPD spokesman Mark Kraus said in a news release.
The vehicle was driven by Ronnie Desormeaux, of Lake Charles.
Desormeaux, 62, advised that he did not see the pedestrian until the last second, Kraus said.
Two police officers, Cpl. Robert Janice and Officer Raoul Ceasar were headed east on McNeese Street and saw the female in
the middle of the turn lane.
“Both officers advised that they, too,
did not see her until they were right beside her,” Kraus said in the
news release. “Officers
advised that they just passed her and were turning around to go
get her out of the roadway when the vehicle collided with
her.”
Acadian Ambulance was notified and arrived on the scene, but Bergeron had already succumbed to her injuries.
“The driver was escorted to Memorial
Hospital where he voluntarily submitted to a blood alcohol test,” Kraus
said. “The coroner’s
office transported the victim, where toxicology testing will be
performed.”
Kraus also said there was no indication that alcohol was present on the driver of the vehicle.
“At this time the vehicle was not found to be in violation and no citations were issued,” Kraus said in the news release.