METAIRIE, Louisiana — A Natchez man faces a charge of vehicular homicide after Louisiana State Police officers said he struck a pedestrian, who walking along U.S. 61 in Metairie on Monday night.

Khalil Brice, 24, of Natchez, Louisiana State Police said, was traveling south at approximately 9 p.m. Monday in a 2019 GMC box truck when his truck struck Ricky Lee, 67, who was walking north on U.S. 61.

Lee, police said, sustained fatal injuries and was later pronounced dead on the scene.

“Impairment on (Lee’s) part may have been a factor,” Louisiana State Police said, “and a toxicology sample was obtained from him for analysis. Brice was properly restrained and was uninjured. Impairment on his part is considered a factor, and he was arrested and booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center for LRS 14:32.1 — Vehicular homicide. A toxicology sample was obtained from him for analysis as well.”

Police said the crash remains under investigation.

“Troopers urge pedestrians to maintain a heightened level of awareness while walking near the road,” the police report states. “Simple precautions such as wearing reflective materials, avoiding distractions and walking a safe distance from travel lanes while facing oncoming traffic could help prevent many pedestrian related crashes.

“Troopers would also like to take this opportunity to remind motorists that making good choices, such as never driving while impaired and ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, can often be key to preventing and surviving serious crashes.”