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Incident
Sergeant David Elahi was struck and killed by a drunk driver while he and two other officers were conducting a traffic stop on US Highway 165, approximately two miles south of Louisiana Highway 134, at approximately 5:00 am.
All three officers were standing on the shoulder of the roadway when an approaching car crossed over the fog line and struck them. Sergeant Elahi was pronounced dead at the scene while the other two officers were transported to a local hospital with injuries.
The drunk driver was charged with vehicular homicide, vehicular negligent injury, improper lane usage, and a move over law violation.
Sergeant Elahi had served with the Sterlington Police Department for a little more than four years.
Survivors
He is survived by his child and expectant fiancee.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Elahi gave the Sterlington Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Sterlington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Elahi.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
David is the only officer of Sterlington Police Department remembered here.
David is one of 364 officers killed feloniously in LA, 61.2% of the 595 remembered there.
David is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2016, 7 officers in LA were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 2016, 82 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 78th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2016, 83 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 83rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 28. Of the 310 killed feloniously in LA whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 48; the middle age was 40. David had served 4.2 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
David was 28. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. David had served 4.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 28. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. David had served 4.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 11.3% of these deaths in LA, more than any other month. Sundays: 16.5%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Sterlington Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.2% of all 595 deaths in LA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 1.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 0.9% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 55-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Sterlington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.