Crime
Five-Year-Old Carson Lawson Fatally Struck by Grandmother Allegedly Driving Under the Influence in Slidell
SLIDELL, La. — A tragic accident in Slidell has left a family and community devastated after a 5-year-old boy was fatally struck by a vehicle driven by his grandmother early Tuesday morning.
The child, identified as Carson Lawson, was standing in his driveway around 7:00 a.m. waiting for his school bus when he was struck by a 2016 GMC Yukon that was backing out of the driveway in the 300 block of Spartan Loop in the Spartan Trace subdivision.
According to the Slidell Police Department, the driver — 55-year-old Kristen Anders of Slidell — showed visible signs of impairment and was later determined to be under the influence of alcohol and central nervous system depressants at the time of the crash.
Anders was taken into custody at the scene and has been charged with vehicular homicide.
Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau described the incident as profoundly heartbreaking.
“This is any parent’s worst nightmare,” Chief Seuzeneau said. “I was at the scene myself, as were many of our officers, and this has affected all of us deeply — especially the first responders who witnessed the tragedy.”
Chief Seuzeneau stated that he spoke directly with Carson’s mother multiple times throughout the day to offer support and condolences.
“There isn’t anything I can say to make this situation better,” he continued. “All we can do now is pray for peace and healing for this family. Go home and hug your children or grandchildren a little tighter tonight. Life is precious, and tragedy can strike without warning.”
Family members have since shared emotional messages online honoring Carson’s memory.
Loved ones describe him as a joyful, kindhearted child who was excited about school and deeply loved by his family.
The investigation remains ongoing.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.