WEST MONROE, La. – Authorities in West Monroe are investigating a late-night incident that claimed the life of a pedestrian and are asking for the public’s help in locating a vehicle involved. The West Monroe Police Department reports that the event occurred late Tuesday night along Cypress Street near Jackson Street.
According to police, at approximately 11:30 p.m., a man identified as 41-year-old Jason Ellis of West Monroe was struck by a vehicle while walking along the roadway. Investigators believe the vehicle that initially struck Ellis was a dark-colored sedan traveling east on Cypress Street. The vehicle did not stop after the collision and continued driving from the scene.
Police said evidence gathered from the area indicates the car likely sustained visible damage — specifically to the front driver’s side headlight area and possibly along the driver’s side body panel. Authorities are working to locate this vehicle and identify the driver involved.
Moments after the first collision, another vehicle traveling westbound on Cypress Street also struck Ellis. That driver immediately stopped, remained on the scene, and fully cooperated with police investigators. Emergency responders arrived shortly afterward, but Ellis was pronounced deceased at the scene due to the extent of his injuries.
Detectives with the West Monroe Police Department’s Traffic Division have taken charge of the investigation. They are reviewing traffic camera footage, gathering witness statements, and checking nearby businesses for possible surveillance video that may provide leads. Police say every piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in finding the car and driver responsible for leaving the scene.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a dark-colored sedan that may have noticeable damage to its front left side, including the headlight and bumper. Mechanics, auto body shops, and repair facilities are being asked to stay alert for anyone attempting to fix a vehicle matching that description in the coming days.
The West Monroe Police Department expressed gratitude to the second driver who stopped and cooperated with law enforcement, emphasizing that staying at the scene was the right and lawful action. They also reminded motorists that in any roadway incident, even if a driver is unsure of what occurred, stopping to render aid or call for help is both a legal and moral responsibility.
Community members have reacted with sadness to the news of Ellis’s passing. Friends and neighbors described him as a kind and hardworking man who had lived in the West Monroe area for many years. Many expressed frustration that the driver responsible for the first collision chose to flee rather than assist or call for help.
Investigators are urging anyone who may have seen a dark-colored sedan driving erratically or unusually late Tuesday night near Cypress Street to contact authorities. Those with possible dashcam or home surveillance footage from the area around 11:30 p.m. are also encouraged to review their recordings and share any relevant clips with police.
Anyone with information about the incident or the suspect vehicle can contact the West Monroe Police Department at 318-396-2722. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers of North Delta at 318-388-CASH (2274). Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward if the information provided leads to an arrest or the identification of the vehicle involved.
Police continue to investigate the sequence of events leading up to the incident and are hopeful that with the community’s cooperation, they will soon identify and locate the driver responsible. The department extended condolences to the family and friends of Jason Ellis, noting that their priority is to bring closure and accountability to those affected by the tragedy.
