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.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.