Driver charged in death of DOTD worker helping change flat tire

Troopers have arrested a man they say killed a DOTD worker on I-610.

"The crash ultimately claimed the life of 23-year-old Eric Anthony Jr. of New Orleans. At the time of the crash, Anthony was performing his duties as a DOTD Motorist Assistance Patrol (MAP) Operator," Trooper Jacob Pucheu said in a news release.

It all started with another driver getting a flat tire.  Anthony stopped to help change the tire on the shoulder of the interstate.

Pucheu says the MAP operator put cones on the shoulder, had his emergency lights flashing and activated the big illuminated signboard on the top of the assistance vehicle.

He was getting tools out of his MAP truck when 26-year-old Oscar G. Perez-Moran of Arabi allegedly veered off the I-610 and crashed into Anthony.

"Anthony suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead."

The trooper says the reasons Perze-Moran left the road area "still under investigation."

He now faces charges including negligent homicide.