Westlake resident Tylor B. Fontenot arrested for the Halloween hit-and-run death of Michael D. Welch
Tylor B. Fontenot, a 30-year-old resident of Westlake, Louisiana, has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident that took place on Halloween. Fontenot faces charges of felony hit-and-run and obstruction of justice following the death of 41-year-old Michael D. Welch, also from Westlake. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies were dispatched to the 2600 block of Miller Avenue near Smith Ferry Road around 2 p.m. on Friday, where they discovered Welch's body in a ditch. Authorities determined that Welch had been riding a bicycle when he was struck from behind by a vehicle.
The investigation identified Fontenot as the alleged driver of the vehicle that hit Welch. Detectives uncovered evidence linking Fontenot to the crime, including a car hood that he reportedly discarded in a dumpster behind a business in Sulphur. According to investigators, Fontenot attempted to obstruct justice by using a tool to remove part numbers from the hood before disposing of it.
Fontenot was arrested on Friday and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center. He was released the following day after posting a $90,000 bond, under stringent conditions. These conditions include the mandatory use of an ignition interlock device for driving, wearing an alcohol-detecting ankle monitor, undergoing random drug screenings, and avoiding any criminal activity. Fontenot is also prohibited from contacting known drug users or felons and cannot drive without a valid license.
Authorities believe that Fontenot fled the scene immediately after striking Welch, leaving him fatally injured. Welch’s death has deeply impacted the local community, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of hit-and-run laws and greater accountability for reckless drivers. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation and has urged anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the severe consequences it can have on innocent lives.
As the investigation proceeds, the local community mourns the loss of Michael D. Welch. His tragic death underscores the need for heightened road safety measures and the importance of ensuring justice for victims of reckless driving incidents. Authorities remain committed to thoroughly investigating the case and bringing those responsible to account, urging the public to assist by providing any relevant information they may have.
