Trucker arrested in Larose hit-and-run case

A 21-year-old Larose man was killed early Saturday on the Intracoastal Overpass after he was hit by an 18-wheeler and thrown against the overpass railing, state police said. Lina James Knott, 31, of Henderson, was arrested Friday near Lafayette and charged with felony hit-and-run and obstruction of justice, state police said.

Jose J. Licona died at approximately 2:30 a.m., moments after the truck struck and destroyed his bike, authorities said. Knott fled the scene before troopers arrived, according to state police.

Troopers recovered small parts of the bike on the Larose overpass, but the bicycle itself was not found, authorities said. Knott admitted taking the bike and hiding it behind a bait shop where he delivered products for his job.

The Lafourche Parish Coroner’s Office pronounced Licona dead at the scene.

State police said Licona is suspected of having consumed alcohol; toxicology tests, however, are pending from the coroner’s office.

State Police Trooper Leeman Howard is continuing to investige the incident.