Driver in fatal hit-and-run flees to Honduras

OBERLIN — A suspect in a fatal hit-and-run that killed an Oberlin man last month has fled the country, according to Police Chief Grady Haynes.

Efrain Castellanos, 40, is facing charges of operating a vehicle without a lawful presence in the U.S., obstruction of justice, driver must be licensed and no insurance.

Authorities believe Castellanos is in Honduras and are working with the FBI on his capture and extradition back to the United States, Haynes said Thursday.

Castellanos is wanted in connection with the Sept. 8 fatal hit-and-run of 66-yearold Calvin Joseph Reed.

Reed died after being struck by a vehicle on U.S. 165 just north of the Valero gas station.

The Oberlin Police Department received a tip on Sept. 13 that linked a suspected vehicle to the crime and led investigators to the Baton Rouge area where two men were taken in for questioning about the accident, Haynes said.

One man was cleared of any involvement. The other man identified Castellanos as the driver of the vehicle and told investigations he had taken Castellanos to the airport in New Orleans.

Additionally, video footage from the nearby Valero’s gas station showed a blue suburban at the station as Reed passed just moments before the accident, Haynes said.

The vehicle matched the one mentioned from the tip that led investigators to Baton Rouge, he said.

The Allen Parish Sheriff’s Office, East Baton Rouge Homicide Division and FBI are assisting in the investigation.

””

Wanted: Efrain Castellanos

SportsPlus

Local News

Temple pushes for special session on insurance reform

Local News

Area law enforcement team up to distribute 1,000 gifts to children

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column:Time change becomes hot topic

life

Calcasieu Council on Aging breaks ground on new development

Local News

Imaginations helping fuel remodel of Region 4 STEM Center library

Crime

12/20: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

McNeese Sports

Cowboys face new-look Cajuns

life

Movies With the Mayor: ‘Muppet Christmas Carol’ back on the screen

Local News

Time is running short to avert a government shutdown after funding bill is rejected

Business

Business is booming and future growth promising for Jeff Davis Parish

McNeese Sports

Cowgirls open SLC against best

Local News

Teacher Jennifer Reynolds: ‘We are helping guide and mold the youth of today’

Local News

Scooter Hobbs column: A silly challenge for the College Playoff

McNeese Sports

Marlin fired by ULL

McNeese Sports

A quick trip home

Local News

City Council gives green light to lakefront hotel plan

Crime

12/19: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Crime

Washington-Marion student arrested for terrorizing, charged as an adult

Local News

Governor selects Stine, Tarver for new Fiscal Responsibility Program

high-school Football

Press box project for Jerry Simmons Stadium move forward

Local News

National defense budget could allocate millions to Louisiana military bases

Face to Face

Second Harvest hosts drive-thru Christmas dinner distribution

Business

It’s not just about money: The Five T’s of Philanthropy

Face to Face

Carols under the Oak: Lake Charles Symphony unites with Imperial Calcasieu Museum