“Baton Rouge Driver Arrested for Vehicular Homicide of Melvin Whitsett in Lafayette Crash”

Accident – death – Obituary News : LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) – Lafayette Police Department has apprehended a Baton Rouge driver, identified as William Durham, 47, in connection with a fatal traffic accident that occurred on the northbound frontage road along I-49 on Thursday night. Durham has been charged with Vehicular Homicide and Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated. He is currently being held at the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center.

The incident, which claimed the life of Melvin Whitsett, 65, of Lafayette, is still under investigation by the Lafayette Police Department Traffic Unit. Whitsett was riding a bicycle along the frontage road when Durham allegedly struck and killed him. Both individuals were heading northbound on the frontage road at the time of the collision.

In response to the accident, authorities temporarily closed a section of the I-49 frontage road, stretching from High Meadows Boulevard to East Butcher Switch Road, throughout the night. This closure facilitated the investigation process, forcing traffic to be rerouted during that period.

As this is an ongoing investigation, the KPEL News Team is actively working to provide comprehensive coverage for Acadiana. Regular updates will be shared as they become available. To stay informed, users can download the KPEL News app from Google Play or the App Store and subscribe to breaking news alerts for instant updates on their mobile devices.

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In other news, we would like to offer some helpful tips to safeguard your packages from sneaky and unscrupulous porch pirates. With online shopping on the rise, it is crucial to protect your deliveries and prevent theft. Follow these precautions to ensure your packages reach your doorstep safely:

1. Track your packages: Utilize tracking services provided by courier companies to stay informed about the status and expected delivery time of your packages. This way, you can arrange to be home or have someone else receive the delivery on your behalf.

2. Request signature confirmation: Opt for signature confirmation upon delivery. This ensures that someone is present to accept the package, reducing the risk of theft.

3. Install security cameras: Install surveillance cameras near your front porch or entrance to deter potential thieves. Visible cameras serve as a deterrent and provide valuable evidence in case of theft.

4. Use package lockers: If available in your area, consider using package lockers provided by certain delivery services. These lockers provide a secure location for packages to be stored until you can retrieve them.

5. Deliver to a secure location: If you are unable to be home for a delivery, consider having your packages delivered to your workplace or another secure location where someone can receive them on your behalf.

By implementing these precautions, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to porch pirates and ensure the safe arrival of your online purchases.

Remember to stay tuned to KPEL News for the latest updates on this developing story and more. Your trusted source for news in Acadiana.

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