RAYNE, La. (KLFY) -- A Houston driver has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run crash, on I-10, that claimed the life of a beloved local DJ also known as DJ Sausage.

Thomas Eljhock Smith, 49, of Houston, Texas, was taken into custody by the Rayne Police Department on an arrest warrant on Oct. 6. He is accused of fleeing the scene of a fatal crash that claimed the life of Jeremy Thomas, 38, of Rayne.

According to officials, Smith parked a tractor hauling a white cargo trailer on the shoulder of the I-10 Exit 87 westbound off-ramp on Oct. 5. At approximately 3:18 a.m., Thomas, driving a pickup truck, struck the rear of the parked semi-truck. Authorities said Smith fled the scene before police arrived.

Louisiana law requires all parties involved in an accident to remain at the scene, exchange information and render aid in the case of injury, regardless of fault. Law enforcement must be contacted if a crash results in more than $500 in property damage or involves an injury or fatality. A fatality hit-and-run offense can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Officials identified the company operating the semi-truck through Crime Fighters of Louisiana cameras. Management at Level Up Express LLC cooperated with law enforcement and immediately provided the driver’s information, enabling authorities to obtain an arrest warrant the following day.

Smith was arrested by the Texas Department of Public Safety on Oct. 14.

There was no information released regarding Smith's bond.

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