Slidell Grandmother Charged With Vehicular Homicide After Police Say She Fatally Struck 5-Year-Old Grandson in Driveway Accident

A Louisiana community is in mourning after a devastating incident in Slidell resulted in the death of a 5-year-old boy and criminal charges for his grandmother. According to the Slidell Police Department, 55-year-old Kristen Anders has been charged with vehicular homicide after her SUV allegedly struck and killed her grandson, Carson Lawson, in the family’s driveway early Wednesday morning.

Police confirmed that Anders was granted a $50,000 cash surety bond following her arrest, though the investigation remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence and awaiting toxicology results.

A Routine Morning Turns Tragic

The tragic collision occurred shortly after 7 a.m. in the 300 block of Spartan Loop, a quiet residential section of Slidell where families are typically preparing children for school at that hour. According to initial reports, Carson was waiting for his school bus in the driveway. Police say he was positioned in front of Anders’ 2016 GMC Yukon, which had been backed into the driveway earlier.

Investigators say Anders entered the vehicle and began to move it forward. In that moment, Carson was fatally struck.

First responders arrived within minutes after the emergency call, but despite rapid intervention, the child’s injuries were catastrophic. He was pronounced dead shortly after.

The suddenness of the event — occurring in a place that should have been safe and familiar — has left many in the community stunned.

Police: Driver Appeared Impaired

Slidell Police said Anders “exhibited signs of impairment” immediately following the crash. Officers at the scene conducted field assessments and determined she was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and central nervous system depressants. Authorities did not immediately identify the specific substances involved, noting that toxicology testing is still underway.

Police Chief Randy Fandal stated that the department’s priority is a thorough and unbiased investigation.

“This is a heartbreaking case for everyone involved,” he said. “But we owe it to the victim and to the community to investigate it fully and transparently.”

Vehicular homicide charges in Louisiana apply when a driver suspected of impairment is involved in a fatal crash. If convicted, penalties can include significant prison time. Legal proceedings will depend on the results of toxicology findings and investigative reports, which will be reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office.

Neighbors and Community Members Stunned

As word of the incident spread, neighbors were left grappling with disbelief. Throughout the afternoon, community members placed flowers, candles, and stuffed animals near the property in remembrance of Carson. Several residents gathered quietly, embracing one another and reflecting on a tragedy that felt painfully close to home.

Local parents say the incident prompted emotional conversations with their children that evening — about safety, morning routines, and the fragility of life.

One neighbor described the boy as “a happy, sweet child who loved school,” adding that seeing school buses pass the street later that morning felt almost surreal.

A Child Loved by Many

Though authorities have not released an official family statement, those close to the Lamont family say they are devastated and leaning on relatives and friends for support. Community groups have rallied to assist the family emotionally as they process an unimaginable loss.

School officials confirmed that counselors have been made available to Carson’s classmates and teachers, many of whom are struggling with grief.

Investigators Reviewing All Evidence

Detectives are continuing to interview witnesses, review vehicle data, assess the scene, and examine possible factors such as visibility, driveway layout, timing, and the movement of the vehicle.

Police say they will also review body camera footage from responding officers, as well as standard DUI-testing procedures conducted on scene.

Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges are being considered.

Safety Reminders From Authorities

In light of the tragedy, police issued several reminders to the public, particularly to families with large vehicles such as SUVs and trucks. Officers note that the forward blind zone on taller vehicles can obscure small children directly in front of the grill — sometimes by several feet.

Drivers are urged to:

Walk around the vehicle before getting in
Double-check blind spots
Avoid rushing during morning routines
Stay aware of any substance — prescription or otherwise — that may impair judgment or coordination

Police emphasized that these guidelines are meant to prevent accidents, not comment on the ongoing case.

A Community Grieves

As the investigation continues, the Slidell community remains united in grief and compassion. Residents are planning a candlelight vigil for Carson later this week, hoping to offer the family comfort in their darkest moment.

Authorities are urging the public to respect the family’s privacy as they navigate profound loss while legal proceedings unfold.

For now, the community’s focus remains on honoring Carson’s memory while awaiting further updates from investigators.