A young Louisiana child lost his life after being struck by a vehicle allegedly driven by his grandmother, who authorities say was under the influence of alcohol at the time.
During a news conference on Tuesday, Nov. 11, the Slidell Police Department announced the arrest of 55-year-old Kristen Anders, who is charged with vehicular homicide in connection with the death of her grandson.
On Wednesday, the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 5-year-old Carson Lawson.
According to Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau, officers responded around 7 a.m. to the family’s home, where the incident had taken place. Carson, who was waiting in the driveway for the school bus, was struck as Anders left for work in a large SUV that had been backed into the driveway. Police said she could not see him standing directly in front of the vehicle and was unaware he was outside.
Carson died instantly at the scene.
Investigators conducted an impairment evaluation, during which a drug recognition expert allegedly found Anders to be under the influence of alcohol and central nervous system depressants. Authorities did not specify which substances were involved.
Anders was arrested and booked into jail on a vehicular homicide charge.
Chief Seuzeneau described the difficult emotional impact on the community and law enforcement teams. “This is any parent’s worst nightmare,” he said. “This affects everyone. This hits home hard for all of us and all of the first responders who were at that scene.”
He added that he had spoken with Carson’s mother multiple times that day, saying that no words can make the situation easier.
Anders was later transported to the St. Tammany Parish Jail, where she is being held on $50,000 bail.
