After a three-week investigation, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) has arrested Erica Smith Katsanis in connection with a fatal accident that resulted in the death of Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Olhmeyer. Katsanis was taken into custody on February 25, 2026, and charged with one count of vehicular homicide.
According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Deputy Olhmeyer was struck from behind by Katsanis while conducting a funeral escort on Airline Drive on January 30, 2026. Detectives obtained a search warrant and toxicology results as part of their investigation.
Toxicology tests indicated that several prescription drugs were present in Katsanis’ system at the time of the crash. These medications carried warnings about possible impairment and cautioned against operating vehicles while under their influence.
Investigators also found that Katsanis did not apply her vehicle’s brakes during the incident. Captain Anthony Micheu, Commander of Traffic for NOPD, said: “His highly-trained fatality reconstruction investigators were extremely diligent in their investigation and looked at video, internal vehicle imaging, witness statements in addition to toxicology reports in determining probable cause for Katsanis’ arrest.”
The case remains open as further toxicology tests are pending. Authorities encourage anyone with information related to this incident to contact the NOPD Traffic Fatality Unit at (504) 658-6205.
All individuals involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
