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A Groves man who caused a fatal wreck in Sulphur, La., while attempting to outrun a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputy pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Judge Robert Wyatt sentenced Kristopher J. Lalonde, 50, Tuesday to 25 years in prison at hard labor.

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

Lalonde was driving down South Cities Service Highway on March 18, 2021, when a deputy attempted to pull him over for a traffic violation.

Lalonde then proceeded to cross several lanes of traffic, nearly causing a wreck, before stopping in a nearby parking lot and exiting the truck.

When a deputy approached Lalonde, he returned to his truck and fled the scene, leading multiple deputies on a short pursuit for approximately 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,” Calcasieu Parish District Attorney Stephen Dwight said in a press release.

“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.”

— Reprinted from the American Press in Lake Charles, Louisiana.