A 45-year-old pedestrian was killed Thursday night after walking out in front of a fully marked Louisiana State Police Troop B patrol unit.

Trooper Kate Stegall said the crash ultimately claimed the life of Dave Walker of Laplace.

Stegall said the deputy was on duty and driving a fully marked 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe patrol unit in the right lane of U.S. 61 south near Windsor Street. At the same time, Walker, was attempting to walk across the southbound lanes of U.S. 61, just south of Windsor Street. As Walker entered the right lane of U.S. 61 south, he was struck by the Tahoe.

In the area of the crash, there are no designated crosswalks and lighting is limited, Stegall said. 

Walker suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and front seat passenger of the Tahoe were unrestrained at the time of the crash and uninjured.

Impairment is not suspected on the deputy, however a voluntary blood sample was given and will be sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Impairment on the part of Walker is unknown and toxicology samples will be obtained for testing. The investigation is ongoing.