City of Slidell Employee Struck by Vehicle Fleeing From Police

A City of Slidell employee is recovering, after being struck by a fleeing vehicle during a police chase on Tuesday (June 4, 2024) morning.

A Slidell Police officer was traveling on Fremaux Avenue, when a 2023 Nissan Sentra passed him at speeds in excess of 70 m.p.h. As the officer activated his emergency lights and sirens, the vehicle  accelerated and while fleeing, struck a City of Slidell employee with the fleeing vehicle's side mirror.

The fleeing vehicle eventually came to a stop near the end of Cousin Street, where the driver and his passenger were taken into custody. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 21-year-old Matao Palmer of Slidell, was arrested and charged with reckless operation of a motor vehicle, aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce, aggravated flight from an officer, negligent injuring, possession of marijuana, and possession of hydrocodone. 

The City of Slidell employee received minor injuries and was transported to a local area hospital for treatment.