Slidell, LA – A 5-year-old boy waiting for his school bus in his own driveway was killed when his grandmother accidentally drove her GMC Yukon forward and ran him over, according to the Slidell Police Department. Authorities say the grandmother, 55-year-old Kristen Anders, was impaired at the time of the fatal crash and is now charged with vehicular homicide.
The Incident: Child Killed While Waiting for School Bus
The tragedy unfolded around 7 a.m. Monday in the 300 block of Spartan Loop in Slidell, a suburban community located 30 miles northeast of New Orleans.
Police say 5-year-old Carson Lawson was sitting or standing in front of a 2016 GMC Yukon parked in the family driveway. The SUV had been backed in the night before.
As Anders left the residence to go to work, she drove the vehicle forward, striking the child. Police said the boy was killed instantly due to the impact.
Investigators believe Anders did not know the child was in front of her SUV.
A neighbor later heard screams and cries for help and called 911.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
When officers arrived, Anders displayed visible signs of impairment. Police say she was under the influence of alcohol and central nervous system depressants at the time of the collision.
“She realized she had run over something and stopped the vehicle,” the police report states.
Authorities confirmed that Anders had intended to drive to work and was unaware her grandson had stepped outside to wait for the bus.
Testing later indicated impairment significant enough to support criminal charges. The Slidell Police Department also emphasized the size and weight of the GMC Yukon, making the crash instantly fatal even at low speed.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Following the initial investigation, Anders was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide, a felony in Louisiana. Additional toxicology results may lead to further charges.
Police also stated that the case will be turned over to the St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office for review.
Vehicular homicide in Louisiana carries penalties that may include significant prison time, fines, and license suspension.
Statements and Reactions
Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau described the case as one of the most heartbreaking his department has handled.
“This is any parent’s worst nightmare,” Chief Seuzeneau said.
“We all have kids or grandkids around this age. The first responders who were there witnessed something devastating. It’s hard for all of us.”
He added that Anders likely had no idea the child was in front of the SUV when she pulled forward.
“I spoke with the victim’s mother several times today,” he said. “There isn’t anything I can say to ease her pain. All we can do is pray for peace.”
Family members and neighbors are shattered by the loss of Carson Lawson, who was preparing to leave for school like any other morning.
Background Context: Child Safety and Vehicle Blind Zones
Experts say driveway accidents are tragically common, especially involving large SUVs with significant blind zones in the front. According to national safety data, forward-moving driveway accidents often involve children under the age of 6 who are not visible at the vehicle’s hood line.
The SUV involved, a 2016 GMC Yukon, has one of the largest front blind zones among passenger vehicles, exceeding 8 feet.
Police also emphasized that driver impairment dramatically increases reaction time, even in slow-speed residential settings.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities await final toxicology reports and continue interviewing witnesses. The case will move through the St. Tammany Parish juvenile and criminal justice system in the coming weeks.
Funeral arrangements for Carson Lawson have not yet been released.
Community members have placed flowers and stuffed animals near the family’s driveway as the neighborhood mourns the tragic loss of a young child.
Conclusion
The death of 5-year-old Carson Lawson has devastated his family, shocked the Slidell community, and raised urgent concerns about impaired driving and vehicle blind zones. As prosecutors move forward with charges against his grandmother, many are praying for healing and clarity in the weeks ahead.
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