Houma bicyclist killed in hit and run

A 44-year-old Houma man was struck and killed early Wednesday as he rode his bicycle on Louisiana Highway 3040, state police said.

Authorities are searching for a black 2006 or 2007 Cadillac Escalade the hit Alex Rivet III and fled the scene leaving the Houma man lying dead in the road.

State police said the vehicle struck Rivet around 1 a.m. as he rode in the right lane near Wendy’s restaurant. Both Rivet and the driver of the Escalade were traveling north, according to troopers.

The Terrebonne Parish Coroner’s Office pronounced Rivet dead at the scene.

State police said they don’t know if alcohol or drugs contributed to the incident. The coroner’s office is testing Rivet’s blood, authorities said.

A witness told troopers a white male was driving the Escalade. The witness tried to follow the vehicle, but the Escalade ran the red light at Hollywood Road and Martin Luther King Boulevard and sped away.

State police said the Escalade should have minor to moderate damage on the windshield and right front headlight.

Authorities are investigating the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact Troop C at (985) 857-3680.

Investigators are also asking businesses in the area that have cameras that may have captured activity on the roadway around 1 a.m. Wednesday to notify Troop C.