Lyft driver shot in head and left in ditch, then car stolen, Louisiana cops say
A Lyft driver was shot in the head for her car, then one of the suspects was himself killed when he ran from deputies into the path of a car, according to investigators in west Louisiana.
The Lyft driver has been identified as 62-year-old Lawanna Lewis of Lake Charles, and her body was found around 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office said in an Oct. 11 news release.
“Deputies were dispatched to the 200 block of Trousdale Road in Westlake in reference to a lady in the ditch. ... The initial investigation revealed she suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the head,” the sheriff’s office said.
“The victim was a Lyft driver who had been working that day. Further investigation revealed the location of her car was unknown.”
A search for the stolen vehicle led to a parking lot more than 140 miles away, in Houston, Texas, the sheriff’s office said.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office in Texas sent deputies “to make contact with the two individuals inside the car” and the men jumped out and ran, officials said.
“One of the suspects ... was struck by traffic in the roadway while attempting to flee and was later pronounced dead. The other suspect, identified as Tristan A. Bush, 26, (of) Lafayette, was ultimately taken into custody,” the sheriff’s office said.
“After further investigation and with the assistance of HCSO, evidence was also located linking the suspects to the homicide.”
Bush has been charged with second-degree murder, and bond was set at $2.5 million, officials said.
“The investigation is ongoing and more charges are likely,” the sheriff’s office said.
Lyft officials issued a statement about the case to McClatchy News on Monday Oct. 13.
“Our hearts are with Ms. Lewis’ family and loved ones,” a company spokesperson said. “We have reached out to offer them our support during this devastating tragedy and are working with law enforcement to assist with their investigation.”
Westlake is about a 210-mile-drive northwest from New Orleans.
This story was originally published October 13, 2025 at 7:33 AM.