Marrero, LA (9/9/2023) – On September 9, 2023, shortly after 3:30 am, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B responded to a vehicle crash involving a pedestrian on US 90B upper level near McArthur Avenue in Jefferson Parish. This crash claimed the life of 36-year-old David Allen Smith of Missouri.
The initial investigation revealed that the left and center westbound lanes of US 90B upper level were closed due to road construction. In the area of the construction, a dark colored SUV was traveling west on US 90B upper level in the right lane. At the same time, Smith, a construction worker, was walking outside of the lane closures, near the right shoulder. For reasons still under investigation, Smith was struck by the SUV. Smith suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he died. The driver of the SUV did not stop and continued west on US 90B upper level.
During the investigation, shortly after the crash, a damaged black Dodge Journey was found abandoned on US 90B lower level near Ames Boulevard. Through investigative means, Troopers were able to determine the Dodge to be the vehicle involved in the crash that killed Smith. Further investigation revealed that 24-year-old Isaiah Mayes of Marrero was the driver of the Dodge at the time of the crash and was located at a nearby residence.
During contact with Mayes, he displayed signs of impairment and was ultimately arrested for Vehicular Homicide; Hit and Run Involving a Fatality; Reckless Operation and other traffic related charges. Mayes was booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center.
Louisiana State Police would like to remind all motorists that if you feel differently, you drive differently. Alcohol, prescription medication, and other drugs have many effects on the body that negatively affect driving skills. These drugs can impair visual ability, alter the sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. Not doing so can have deadly consequences.
