Police: Pineville man wanted in Bayou Vista fatal crash; Patterson motorcyclist killed

Police are searching for a 31-year-old Pineville man who fled the scene of a fatal hit and run crash Tuesday night on U.S. 90 in Bayou Vista, in which a 22-year-old Patterson man on a motorcycle was killed, according to a State Police Troop I news release.
Shortly after 8 p.m. Tuesday, Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to a hit and run fatality on U.S. 90 in Bayou Vista. The crash resulted in the death of Jerome Rudolph Jr., 22, of Patterson.
The preliminary investigation revealed Mark Joseph Montie Jr., 31, of Pineville, was operating a 1996 GMC pickup in the parking lot of Wal-Mart. Montie attempted to cross the westbound lanes of U.S. 90 to enter the U.S. 90 median turning lane, police said. Rudolph was operating a 2006 Kawasaki motorcycle westbound on U.S. 90, approaching the Wal-Mart parking lot, the release stated.
As Rudolph approached the GMC pickup, Montie pulled into the path of the motorcycle. Rudolph applied the rear brakes, causing the motorcycle to lie down on its side and strike the rear left quarter panel of the pickup, the release stated. Rudolph sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. The St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office pronounced Rudolph dead on scene, the release said.
Police said Montie brought his pickup truck to a controlled rest, and then fled the scene on foot.
Criminal charges are pending on Montie, the release said. Seatbelt usage and alcohol or drug usage for Montie are unknown, police said.
Rudolph was wearing an approved Department of Transportation helmet, the release said. Routine toxicology samples were taken from Rudolph and sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis, police said.
If you know Mark Joseph Montie Jr, or his whereabouts, you are urged to contact Louisiana State Police Troop I at 337-262-5880.