Lake Charles, LA –
On October 31, at approximately 2:00 p.m. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 2600 block of Miller Avenue, near Smith Ferry Road, in Westlake in reference to a person in the ditch. When deputies arrived, they found Michael D. Welch, 41, Westlake, unresponsive in the ditch. The preliminary investigation revealed the incident to be a hit and run.
After further investigation, detectives learned a car, driven by Tylor B. Fontenot, 30, Westlake, was traveling north on Miller Avenue when he struck Welch, who was riding a bicycle, from behind. During the investigation, detectives received information that Fontenot had discarded a car hood in a dumpster behind a business in Sulphur. Detectives also learned Fontenot was observed using a tool to shave off the part numbers from the hood prior to discarding it.
On November 22, Fontenot, who did not stop after the crash, was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with felony hit and run; and obstruction of justice. He was released the following day on a $90,000 bond set by Judge Tony Fazzio with special conditions being he cannot operate a vehicle without an ignition interlock device, he must wear an alcohol detecting ankle bracelet, must be subject to random drug screenings, cannot commit any criminal activity, no contact with known drug users or convicted felons, and no driving without a valid license.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.