SOURCE: NPD
Natchitoches Police Department officers were dispatched April 4 around 11:29 p.m. to the 7000 block of La. Hwy 1 By-Pass in reference to a two vehicle crash.
The initial investigation revealed a 2019 Jeep Cherokee, driven by Heather De Los Santos, was turning off the By-Pass onto Hazel Drive. At the same time, a 2008 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, driven by Rickey Smith, was traveling eastbound on the By-Pass and was struck by the Jeep.
De Los Santos was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated, First Degree Vehicular Negligent Injuring, Failure to Yield, Open Container, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and placed in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center (NPDC).
On April 17, NPD was notified by the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office that Smith died as a result of his injuries.
After further investigation, De Los Santos turned herself in to June 7 for the additional charge of Vehicular Homicide and was placed in NPDC.