The NOPD's Traffic Fatality Unit has made an arrest in a fatal hit and run crash that occurred on August 20, 2023.
On the date, the victim was operating a motorized bicycle on Interstate 10 eastbound near Dwyer Road when she was struck from behind by a vehicle and was ejected from the elevated portion of the Interstate, landing on the ground below where she was pronounced deceased.
The driver of the vehicle that struck the victim, fled the scene.
The victim was identified by the Orleans Parish Coroner as 33-year-old Desiree Latil-Hawthorne.
Through investigation, traffic fatality investigators identified Brittney Johnson, (black female DOB: 02-28-1992) as the perpetrator in this hit and run.
She was arrested on November 2, 2023 and is facing charges of hit & run driving with a fatality, and reckless operation of a motor vehicle.
Anyone with additional information in this incident is asked to contact the NOPD's Traffic Fatality Unit at (504) 658-6205 or Crimestoppers anonymously at (504) 822-1111.
All persons are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty.
Have a question or correction? Please email NOPD’s Public Affairs Division at nopdpio@nola.gov.