A man has been taken into custody by the Slidell Police Department following an incident that severely injured a cyclist. The collision occurred shortly before 6 p.m. on Sunday, according to a Facebook update from the Slidell Police Department. The victim, a 63-year-old male, was hit by a large box truck while attending to his bicycle on the 1600 block of Highway 190 West and is currently in critical condition at an area hospital in New Orleans.
Derreck Gahagan, 37, of Covington, LA, who was identified as the driver of the truck, exhibited clear signs of impairment at the scene. Upon conducting Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), officers arrested him under the suspicion of driving while impaired. This marks the fourth such offense for Gahagan. As per standard protocol in severe traffic incidents, blood samples were taken from both the driver and the victim for toxicology reports, which are still pending, as posted by Slidell Police Department.
In light of the accident, Gahagan is facing multiple charges that include 1st Degree Vehicular Negligent Injuring, Driving While Impaired - 4th Offense, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Driving Under Suspension, and possession of a Switched License Plate. He was booked into the Slidell City Jail following his arrest. The collision and the circumstances that led the box-truck to leave the roadway and strike the bicyclist are still under investigation by the local authorities.
While the community reels from the tragedy, the Slidell Police Department has reminded drivers of the importance of driving sober. The accident has ignited conversations about road safety and the consequences of repeat DWI offenders on the streets. Updates on the victim's condition and the ongoing investigation will be provided as they become available to the public. The Slidell Police Department's social media post highlights the gravity of the situation and the immediate response by law enforcement to hold accountable those who endanger the lives of others on the road.
