A sergeant with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office was killed on March 23, 2025, during a high-speed chase on Interstate 10 in Slidell, Louisiana. Sgt. Grant Candies was deploying a spike strip when he was struck by a vehicle driven by a fleeing suspect.
- Sgt. Grant Candies killed in pursuit incident
- Adrian Waughtal arrested for multiple charges
- NOPD officer injured during high-speed chase
- Sgt. Candies recognized as Deputy of the Year
- Family launched GoFundMe for support
- Sheriff Smith praises Candies' dedication and service
The pursuit began after deputies attempted to stop the suspect’s vehicle for a traffic violation. The driver, Adrian Waughtal, has been arrested and faces multiple charges including first-degree murder.
The incident unfolded early Sunday morning when deputies from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop that led to a high-speed pursuit involving New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers and Louisiana State Police. The chase entered Orleans Parish around 12:30 a.m., eventually leading to the tragic death of Sgt. Candies as he attempted to halt the fleeing vehicle.
During the pursuit, an NOPD officer’s vehicle was also struck by Waughtal’s car. Both the officer and two juvenile passengers were taken to local hospitals; however, they have since been released and are reported to be in stable condition.
- Sgt. Candies had served with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office since March 2016.
- He previously received recognition as Deputy of the Year for saving lives in 2023.
- Candies leaves behind his wife and two children at age 37.
Sheriff Randy Smith expressed deep sorrow over Candies’ loss, highlighting his contributions and dedication to law enforcement and community service. In response to this tragedy, Candies’ family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and support his family during this difficult time.
This incident underscores the risks faced by law enforcement officers daily while serving their communities. As investigations continue into both the circumstances surrounding Sgt. Candies’ death and Waughtal’s actions leading up to it, there remains an ongoing conversation about public safety measures during police pursuits.
