Slidell Grandmother Kristen Anders Arrested After Fatally Striking 5-Year-Old Grandson Carson Lawson While Impaired

A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the Slidell, Louisiana community after a grandmother allegedly driving under the influence struck and killed her 5-year-old grandson in the family driveway.

According to Slidell Police, 55-year-old Kristen Anders was backing her 2016 GMC Yukon out of the driveway around 7 a.m. Tuesday when she fatally hit her grandson, Carson Lawson, who was waiting for his school bus outside their home in the Spartan Trace subdivision.

Police say Anders appeared impaired at the scene and was later determined to be under the influence of alcohol and central nervous system depressants. She was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide.

“This is any parent’s worst nightmare,” said Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau, who personally responded to the scene. “This hits home hard for all of us and all of the first responders who were there. All we can do is pray for peace for this family.”

Carson Lawson had just turned five in June. His autopsy is scheduled for later this week as the Slidell community mourns the devastating loss of the young boy.