A Texas man who caused a fatal wreck in Sulphur while attempting to outrun a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputy has pled guilty to manslaughter.

Kristopher J. Lalonde, 50, of Groves, Texas, was sentenced Tuesday by Judge Robert Wyatt to 25 years in prison at hard labor.

He will receive credit for time served since the 2021 crash, Wyatt said.

Lalonde was driving down South Cities Service Highway on March 18, 2021, when the deputy attempted to pull him over for a traffic violation. Lalonde then proceeded to cross several lanes of traffic, nearly causing an accident, before stopping in a nearby parking lot and exiting the truck.

When the deputy approached Lalonde, he returned to his truck and fled the scene, leading multiple deputies on a short pursuit for about three blocks. At the intersection of Attakapas and Quelqueshue streets, Lalonde ran a stop sign, causing a collision with another vehicle that had the right of way. The collision resulted in a fatality.

Lalonde was initially charged with aggravated flight from an officer; improper lane use; running a stop sign; turning movements required; and possession of drug paraphernalia. It was also noted he had a parole warrant out of Texas at the time of the crash.

“An innocent life was taken because Lalonde chose not comply with the deputy’s order after he activated his lights and sirens,” said Calcasieu Parish District Attorney Stephen Dwight in a statement to the American Press. “I want to be clear that if you don’t comply with a lawful order from law enforcement in our parish, you will be held accountable.”