New Iberia, La. – Louisiana State Police Troop I is asking for the public’s assistance as troopers continue investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred early Friday morning in Iberia Parish.
According to investigators, the crash happened shortly after 3:30 a.m. on April 17, 2026, along Louisiana Highway 329 near Doc Road. Authorities say 37-year-old James Buteaux of New Iberia was walking on the roadway when he was struck by a northbound vehicle.
Troopers say the driver did not stop and fled the scene following the collision.
Buteaux sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. As part of standard procedure, a toxicology sample was collected and submitted for analysis.
The vehicle involved has not yet been identified, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information that could help identify the vehicle or driver is urged to contact Louisiana State Police Troop I at (337) 262-5880. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system or by calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.
