Police searching for hit-and-run vehicle

State police are searching for the driver of a white vehicle that struck and killed a 41-year-old bicyclist in Larose Sunday night.

Trooper First Class Gilbert Dardar Jr., spokesman for Troop C, said the car is a Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze or Chrysler Cirrus. The model was released between 1995 and 2000.

He said the car sustained damage on its front left bumper and the front left wheel well.

Rigoberto O. Valladares of Lockport was riding his bike on the southbound shoulder of La. Hwy. 308 in Larose when he was struck, Dardar said. The car was also traveling south.

Authorities said, upon impact, Valladares was thrown from the bike into the northbound lane on La. 308. Lafourche Parish Coroner Dr. Walter Birdsall pronounced him dead at the scene.

Vehicle parts were recovered at the crash scene, helping state police narrow down the make of the car, Dardar said.

Trooper Brent Haynes and Field Training Officer Tony Eymard are leading the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call (985) 857-3680.