A 59-year-old Monroe man was arrested Tuesday, nearly two months after a fatal pedestrian collision, following toxicology results that revealed unusually high levels of THC in his system at the time of the crash.
Henry James Ward was booked into the Ouachita Correctional Center on July 21, 2026, where he faces one count of Vehicular Homicide.
The May 29 Collision
According to authorities with the Monroe Police Department, the incident occurred on May 29, 2026, at approximately 5:21 p.m. Ward was attempting to turn onto Desiard Street from South College Avenue when he allegedly struck a pedestrian who was crossing Desiard Street in a southbound direction.
Court documents state the impact caused the victim to go beneath Ward’s vehicle, and was dragged for approximately 22 feet. The pedestrian was rushed to a local hospital but later succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
At the time of the incident, Ward was not arrested at the scene because he displayed no obvious signs of impairment to responding officers. Investigators also noted that the victim was attempting to cross the street outside of a designated crosswalk. Standard procedure was followed, and a blood sample was drawn from Ward immediately following the crash for laboratory analysis.
High THC Levels Lead to Charges
The trajectory of the investigation shifted on July 7, 2026, when Monroe Police Department investigators received the official toxicology analysis.
According to authorities, the results showed multiple sources of THC (marijuana) in Ward’s bloodstream. Laboratory findings highlighted that several active compounds were detected at levels significantly above standard reporting limits, indicating an unusual concentration of the substance during the fatal collision.
Based on the toxicology findings, a warrant was issued for Ward’s arrest, which was executed on Tuesday, July 21st.
Ward remains held at the Ouachita Correctional Center on a $100,000 bond.
