Special to American Press

<p class="p1">A 49 year-old Lake Charles man has been charged with manslaughter after his girlfriend died from injuries sustained when he struck her with his vehicle, said the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office.</p><p class="p1">Victor Ramos, of 1887 Arsene Road #45, was initially charged with second degree battery. But his charges were upgraded Thursday after his victim died on Wednesday, said Kim Myers, Sheriff’s Office spokesperson.</p><p class="p1">Myers said that Ramos’ live-in girlfriend told detectives on May 22 that she had been arguing with him that day when he got into his car, began backing out of the driveway and then drove forward, striking her and pinning her up against their mobile home. Myers said that the victim stated that Ramos then dropped her off at the hospital and left.</p><p class="p1">Ramos was located a short time later at his residence. Myers said that he told deputies that after striking the victim, he attempted to hide the car. She said that the vehicle was located nearby with damage to the front passenger side. Ramos was arrested and charged with second degree battery.</p><p class="p1">Myers said that Judge Michael Canaday signed Ramos’ arrest warrant for the manslaughter charge and set his bond at $450,000.</p>