St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Sergeant Grant Candies Fatally Struck by Fleeing Suspects on I-10 Near the Oak Harbor Exit in Slidell – On the evening of March 19, 2025, a tragic event unfolded on Interstate 10 in Slidell, Louisiana, resulting in the death of St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Sergeant Grant Candies. Sergeant Candies, a 17-year veteran of the sheriff’s department, was fatally struck by a vehicle driven by suspects fleeing from law enforcement. The suspects, later identified as juveniles, led officers on a high-speed chase, ultimately causing the fatal incident.
The events began when St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop a vehicle involved in suspicious activity on the eastbound lanes of I-10. The vehicle, a silver sedan, refused to pull over and accelerated, initiating a pursuit. Deputies followed the vehicle, which quickly reached dangerous speeds, weaving in and out of traffic. As the vehicle approached the Oak Harbor exit in Slidell, the suspects lost control and crashed into another vehicle, but that was only the beginning of the harrowing chain of events.
At the scene of the crash, Sergeant Candies and other deputies responded to assist with the aftermath. While law enforcement officers were in the process of securing the area, the fleeing suspects, who had exited their crashed vehicle, got back into the car and attempted to flee the scene on foot. As Sergeant Candies attempted to help block the road and prevent further chaos, the suspects reentered the vehicle and sped off once again, striking Sergeant Candies in the process. Despite immediate medical attention, Sergeant Candies succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the collision.
The two suspects involved in the incident were later identified as juveniles, aged 16 and 17, both residents of the surrounding Slidell area. Authorities have not disclosed further details regarding their identities or the nature of their actions leading up to the pursuit. They were apprehended shortly after the incident, with both suspects now facing multiple charges, including manslaughter, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and reckless driving. Given the severity of the incident, additional charges may be filed as investigations continue.
Sergeant Candies’ death has sent shockwaves through the local community and law enforcement circles. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, where Candies had worked for nearly two decades, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a dedicated officer. Sheriff Randy Smith released a statement offering condolences to Candies’ family, friends, and colleagues. “Sergeant Candies was an exemplary officer, known for his dedication to protecting and serving our community. His loss is a devastating blow to all of us,” said Sheriff Smith.
The incident also underscores the growing issue of juvenile crime and the dangerous consequences that can result from high-speed pursuits. While law enforcement is trained to handle high-risk situations, the reckless behavior exhibited by the suspects serves as a reminder of the volatility and risks officers face during such encounters.
The Louisiana State Police are leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sergeant Candies’ death and the pursuit. Surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence will be crucial in determining the full scope of the suspects’ actions. Authorities are also exploring the broader implications of juvenile involvement in high-speed pursuits and the potential for stricter penalties or alternative interventions for young offenders.
In the aftermath of this tragic event, the community of Slidell, as well as law enforcement agencies across the region, continue to mourn the loss of a dedicated public servant. Sergeant Candies’ death serves as a somber reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face every day in their commitment to keeping their communities safe.
