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

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 by candlelight: Lake Charles Symphony unites with Imperial Calcasieu Museum

Face to Face

Health officials say Louisiana patient is first severe bird flu case in US

Crime

12/18: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Westlake fire chief describes training with ‘cutting edge’ technology

Local News

Scooter Hobbs column: A new low for bowl opt-outs

Business

Scott Walker named new president, CEO of Chamber SWLA

Business

Hotel owner questions lakefront hotel development plans

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column: Is insurance our No. 1 problem?

Face to Face

10 local charities reap benefits of Coats for Kids drive

Crime

Sentence stands for man who crashed into 18-wheeler while impaired, killing 3-year-old

Crime

12/17: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Top Russian general is killed in a Moscow bombing claimed by Ukraine

life

Wreaths placed on hundreds of graves at Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery

Local News

Children do the Christmas shopping at Family Matters event

McNeese Sports

Next Viator era to open at home

Crime

Oak Middle School student charged with terrorizing

Crime

12/16: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Crime

Conviction stands for man who drugged, sexually assaulted woman he met at casino

Local News

3 dead, others injured in a shooting at a private Christian school in Wis.

Local News

Bolfing, Cahee return to finish staff

Local News

Changes made to how inmate funds deposited

Local News

Scooter Hobbs column: Kelly puts his money where his heart is