Slidell child killed, driver arrested in hit-and-run: STPSO

Around 6 p.m., deputies reported responding to the call of a child being struck by a vehicle on Northshore Lane in Slidell.

According to deputies, a 6-year-old boy was riding his scooter in his driveway when 35-year-old Cody Michael Beaudette, driving an SUV, allegedly struck the child after failing to stop.

The child’s mother was able to get him to the hospital before deputies arrived but he later died from his injuries.

STPSO deputies reported Beaudette was spotted driving on East Gause Boulevard in the SUV, a Grey Chevrolet Suburban, later that evening. A traffic stop was conducted and Beaudette was arrested.

He has since been booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on allegations of:

• Vehicular homicide
• Reckless operation
• Felony hit and run (involving death or serious bodily injury)
• Operating a vehicle with a suspended license

The crash remains under investigation.

“This is a horrific tragedy for our community,” Sheriff Smith said. “And it is a tragedy that could have been prevented by careful driving and the obeyance of traffic laws. Children are out and about in our neighborhoods and it is imperative that all motorists pay attention and slow down.”

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