A tragic accident in Slidell on Tuesday morning left a 5-year-old boy dead after he was struck in his own driveway by a vehicle driven by his grandmother. Slidell Police said 55-year-old Kristen Anders has been booked with vehicular homicide following the fatal crash.
Officers were called shortly after 7 a.m. to the 300 block of Spartan Loop in the Spartan Trace subdivision. According to investigators, 5-year-old Carson Lawson was waiting for his school bus when he was hit by a 2016 GMC Yukon that was pulling forward from the driveway as Anders was leaving for work.
Police said their investigation showed Anders was under the influence of alcohol and central nervous system depressants at the time of the crash. She was arrested at the scene, local Fox affiliate WVUE reported.
Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau said the incident has shaken everyone involved. “This is any parent’s worst nightmare,” he said. “I was at the scene this morning, as well as several of our officers. This affects everyone. This hits home hard for all of us, and all of the first responders who were at that scene.”
A nearby resident who asked not to be identified said she heard screams for help and immediately called 911. She said she is heartbroken for the family and the unimaginable pain they are facing.
Another neighbor, Angel Williams, said the family will need strong support in the coming days. “Often we carry ourselves very strongly and we think we can make it through,” she said. “I would definitely say lean on church members and family members to help you.”
Chief Seuzeneau said he spoke with the boy’s mother multiple times on Tuesday. “There isn’t anything I can say to make this situation any better,” he said. “All we can do is pray for their peace. Go home. Hug your kids or grandkids a little tighter tonight. Life is precious, and we never know when tragedy could strike for any of us.”
Traffic fatality investigators are continuing to review evidence and interview witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation.