High-Speed Chase Ends in Violent Crash and Arrest of Drag Racing Suspect in Baton Rouge
BATON ROUGE, LA — A late-night police pursuit that began in Baton Rouge and ended in Denham Springs culminated in a violent crash and the arrest of 23-year-old Kane Mamadou, who now faces multiple serious charges following an alleged drag racing incident and high-speed chase through East Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes.
The Pursuit
According to the Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD), the incident began just before midnight on Friday, June 28, when officers observed Mamadou drag racing near the intersection of North Sherwood Forest Drive and South Choctaw Drive. When law enforcement attempted to initiate a traffic stop, Mamadou refused to pull over, instead accelerating at dangerous speeds and leading officers on a reckless and high-risk pursuit eastbound on Interstate 12.
The chase intensified as Mamadou reportedly drove in excess of 150 mph, weaving through traffic, disregarding three red lights, three stop signs, and even crossing into opposing lanes of traffic. BRPD says Mamadou exited I-12 at Range Avenue in Denham Springs, where he ultimately crashed into another vehicle. Despite the severity of the crash, Mamadou fled the scene on foot.
Quick Capture and Community Response
Officers, supported by K-9 units and aerial drone assistance, were able to quickly apprehend Mamadou in the vicinity of the crash. Arrest records state that Mamadou admitted to fleeing because he “believed he could get away and that he was stupid.”
The dramatic series of events shook nearby residents and visitors, including one woman staying at a local hotel who described being jolted awake by the sound of sirens and the crash.
“My heart kind of took a couple of beats,” the woman said. “I told my son, ‘Hey, they’re in a high-speed chase,’ and he was like, ‘Where?’ And I said, ‘Look at the police.’”
Video footage from the scene shows law enforcement officers spraying one of the involved vehicles with fire extinguishers, suggesting a fire hazard following the collision. The vehicle was later towed from the scene, and cleanup crews worked into the early hours of Saturday morning to clear debris.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Kane Mamadou was booked into jail and now faces multiple charges, including:
- Aggravated flight from an officer
- Reckless operation of a vehicle
- Resisting an officer
- Driving without insurance
No major injuries have been reported as a result of the crash, though authorities have not yet released details about the condition of the driver in the other vehicle Mamadou struck. The investigation into the crash and the events leading up to it is ongoing.
Public Safety Concerns
This incident has reignited conversations around illegal street racing and high-speed pursuits, especially given the potential for harm to innocent bystanders. BRPD emphasized that such behavior puts countless lives at risk and will be met with serious consequences.
“Driving at 150 mph through residential and commercial areas, running red lights, and endangering other drivers is not just irresponsible — it’s criminal,” said a BRPD spokesperson.
Local residents and public safety officials are calling for increased enforcement and awareness about the dangers of reckless driving and street racing, which have become increasingly problematic in certain parts of Baton Rouge.
Conclusion
What began as an illegal street race escalated into a chaotic chase that could have resulted in far greater tragedy. While Kane Mamadou is now in custody, the Baton Rouge Police Department says it will continue to take aggressive action against those who engage in dangerous driving behaviors that threaten public safety.
Anyone with additional information related to the incident is encouraged to contact BRPD.