Ascension Parish deputies identified Kelvin Roel Gutierrez-Lara as the person they allege was driving the vehicle that struck and severely injured a 22-year-old pedestrian on Dutchtown Lane in Geismar on August 15, 2026.
WAFB and WBRZ reported on September 15 that deputies were still trying to locate the 20-year-old. The suspected Dodge had already been recovered.
Gutierrez-Lara has not been convicted. The allegation that he was driving remains unproven, and he is presumed innocent unless a criminal case ends in a guilty plea or conviction.
The Pedestrian Suffered a Skull Fracture, Broken Neck and Other Fractures
The collision occurred at about 9 p.m. on Dutchtown Lane near LA 74. Reports said the pedestrian had arrived home and was near her driveway waiting for a food delivery when a vehicle struck her and left.
WAFB reported a skull fracture, broken neck and numerous other broken bones. Her family said Air Med transported her to a hospital. Earlier WBRZ reporting said she did not regain consciousness until two days later and expected permanent scarring.
The outlets use different surnames, Makayla Hopkins and Makayla White. The public reports do not explain the difference, so this article does not attempt to resolve it.
The Public Reports Do Not Explain All of the Identification Evidence
Residential surveillance reportedly captured the vehicle leaving. Deputies recovered what WAFB described as a Dodge Charger, while WBRZ used the broader description of a yellow Dodge.
The September reports identify Gutierrez-Lara as the alleged driver but do not state whether a warrant had been issued, list the contemplated charges or explain every step that led investigators to him. Anyone with information should contact law enforcement rather than approach him.
The Recovered Vehicle and Original Video Should Be Preserved
The original surveillance file may show the vehicle’s path, timing and damage in a way that a phone recording of a screen cannot. The Dodge should remain preserved so its damage, any trace evidence and any recoverable crash data can be compared with the scene and injuries.
Food-delivery records may help establish the timeline. Roadway lighting, driveway geometry and any additional cameras may help determine where the pedestrian was and what the driver could see.
A Severe Hit-and-Run Claim Is Also an Insurance Investigation
The identity of an alleged driver does not answer who owned or insured the vehicle, whether another policy applies, or whether sufficient liability limits exist. Louisiana’s uninsured and underinsured motorist statute may be important if the responsible driver lacks adequate coverage.
The pedestrian’s injuries may require neurological, orthopedic and rehabilitation care well after the initial hospitalization. A final settlement should not be evaluated before her prognosis, future treatment and functional limitations are reasonably understood.
For help preserving the vehicle and video or identifying liability and UM coverage, contact Babcock Injury Lawyers.
Sources
- WAFB: Alleged driver identified in Ascension Parish hit-and-run
- WBRZ: Deputies seek suspect in Geismar hit-and-run
- WAFB: Initial Dutchtown Lane report
- WBRZ: Pedestrian’s recovery and vehicle recovery
- La. R.S. 22:1295: Uninsured motorist coverage
Editorial & Legal Accuracy Notice (Louisiana)
This article is based on the linked reports attributing the identification to the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office. The allegation that Gutierrez-Lara was driving has not been proven. The sources reviewed did not provide a final charge, conviction, complete medical prognosis or insurance determination. This article is general information, not advice about a particular claim.