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Driver allegedly under the influence arrested in I-610 traffic death

Police say a man was struck and killed by a passing car near the intersection of I-610 West and Elysian Fields Avenue Saturday morning.

NEW ORLEANS — A man was arrested after allegedly striking and killing a man who was standing outside of his broken down car on I-610 westbound early Saturday morning.

According to NOPD officials, before 1:30 a.m. Saturday a car broke down in the middle lane of the interstate near Elysian Fields Avenue. A man got out of the car and was returning to the passenger side when he was hit by a black 2006 Porsche Cayenne. 

Emergency responders took the call for the accident around 1:30 a.m., and found the man who was hit shortly after. EMS pronounced him dead on the scene, police officials said.

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The driver of the Porsche stayed on the scene, police said. He was given blood and alcohol tests and was found to be driving "under the influence" when the man was hit. Police did not specific what substances were found in the tests. 

He was arrested and booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center, police officials said.

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Neither the name of the driver nor the victim have been released. The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office will release the victim's name after performing an autopsy and notifying the family. 

Officials said the investigation into the death is ongoing.

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Citizens with information that can help solve crimes are asked by police to call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP.

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