Lafayette Parish Assistant District Attorney Chris Richard faces numerous charges after allegedly leaving the scene of a boating crash that injured three juveniles. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck said 64-year-old Richard was arrested Monday for the August 8th incident.
“Felony hit and run, careless operation of a vessel, and negligent injury. He was booked into the Pointe Coupee Parish Jail. As far as the reasoning goes, that’s still under investigation and we’re not ready to make any comment on that at this point,” said Einck.
Einck said one of the three juveniles who were tubing on False River that afternoon was airlifted to a Baton Rouge hospital with a fractured pelvis, after the pontoon boat Richard was driving hit him and two others.
According to witnesses, Einck said Richard put on a life jacket and got into the water assist but then quickly left.
“Reasons unbeknownst to us at this time he then got back in his vessel and went back to his dock where he’s got a camp on False River and then they got in their vehicle and went home to Carencro,” said Einck.
Einck said due to arrest more than a week after the incident a breathalyzer was not given. Einck said Richard was pulling tubers himself and there were approximately five people with his party. At this time Einck said he does not believe others will be charged but the investigation is ongoing. Einck said Richard’s profession does not grant him any special privileges.
“We treat every case the same, this is an investigation of a boating incident that we’re in charge of for recreational boating in Louisiana, so occupation really didn’t make any difference to us when it comes to a boating incident,” said Einck.
Agents reportedly interviewed more than a dozen witnesses some at the scene and others were located days later.
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