Caddo Sheriff Deputy Dies in Tragic Crash at Accident Scene

Today, a Caddo Parish Sheriff deputy was struck and killed by a passing vehicle while assisting traffic control at the scene of an accident.

This is beyond heartbreaking to write. Just a few hours ago, I was writing about the accident where this occurred, and how it was a miracle no one was injured. Earlier this morning, a two-car accident on I-49 North closed the road for a substantial amount of time. In that accident, a delivery truck of sorts was ripped apart and debris spread all across the interstate.

Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office was on the scene to help with clean-up and traffic control.

One of those deputies on the scene was Auxiliary Deputy Lonnie Thacker. At around noon, while sitting inside his patrol car at the scene, he was struck on the driver's side of his unit by an oncoming Kia Sorento. According to the sheriff's office, Deputy Thacker unfortunately died at the scene. The driver of the Sorento was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.

Sheriff Steve Prator issued the following statement following the tragedy that unfolded this afternoon:

"Lonnie Thacker was a dedicated member of the Caddo Sheriff's Office and we are saddened by this loss. The contributions of our auxiliary deputies are so important to our operation and greatly valued by me and all of our deputies. I know he took pride in his work and enjoyed the contribution he was making to his community. His service will never be forgotten. We extend our most sincere sympathies to his family and ask that the community pray for them."

Lonnie Thacker joined the Sheriff's Auxiliary Program in 2021. Prior to joining the Caddo Parish Sheriff's office, Thacker served in the U.S. Army. He also retired from the Caddo Parish Commission in 2004.

Sgt, John Hay, supervisor for the Auxiliary Program, says, "He was one of those all-around guys who if you asked him to do something he would do it, but he preferred being in a patrol car."