SHREVEPORT, Caddo Parish, La., Oct. 16, 2026 — A pedestrian died on Thursday, October 15, after being struck by a vehicle on Mansfield Road near Hayes Drive in Shreveport, according to the Shreveport Police Department. The driver reportedly left the scene but was later located and taken into custody.
Officers responded to the crash site on Mansfield Road near its intersection with Hayes Drive, where the pedestrian was found fatally injured. The person's name and age have not been released.
The police said the driver fled after the crash but was identified and taken into custody a short time later. Details on how officers located the driver and whether charges have been filed have not been released.
The Shreveport Police Department has not released the circumstances that led up to the crash. The investigation is ongoing.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
Where Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crashes Tend to Happen in Shreveport
Hit-and-run crashes involving pedestrians tend to cluster on wide, multi-lane arterial roads rather than quiet residential streets. Roads like these usually carry higher speeds, longer distances between marked crosswalks, and stretches where drivers do not expect someone on foot, especially after dark.
Unsignalled intersections and midblock crossings add to the risk. Without a signal or marked crosswalk nearby, pedestrians sometimes cross where drivers are not looking for them, and drivers are less likely to be moving at speeds that allow them to stop in time.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 77 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark in 2023. Poor lighting, higher traffic volumes, and fewer dedicated crossing points combine to make certain corridors recur in crash data year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pedestrian accidents more common at night?
Yes. A large majority of pedestrian deaths happen after dark, when visibility is lower, and drivers have less time to react.
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a car?
Call 911 immediately if possible, stay as still as possible, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms appear later.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks, but drivers and pedestrians both carry a duty to watch for each other and avoid collisions.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crash in Shreveport, LA
Anyone who witnesses a hit-and-run should try to note the vehicle's direction of travel, color, and any partial license plate information, then report it to police as soon as possible. If you or someone nearby is injured, call 911 right away and avoid moving an injured person unless there is immediate danger.
Follow up with a medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor at first. Documenting the incident, including photos of the scene if it's safe to do so, can help investigators piece together what happened. Residents with information about this case are encouraged to contact the Shreveport Police Department.
