A tragedy shook the community of Slidell, Louisiana, Tuesday morning when a woman ran over and killed her own 5-year-old grandson while on her way to work.

The driver, identified as Kristen Anders, 55, was pulling out of his driveway in a 2016 GMC Yukon around 7:00 a.m. when he accidentally struck his grandson, Carson Lawson, who was waiting for the school bus in front of the house. The boy died instantly from his injuries, Slidell Police confirmed. Suspected driving under the influence of alcohol. Authorities reported that Anders showed signs of having consumed alcohol and sedatives. She was arrested at the scene and charged with vehicular homicide.

“This is any parent’s worst nightmare,” Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau said at a press conference.

The officer added that the tragedy has deeply impacted the family and the police community: “Not only did they lose their precious 5-year-old son, but they also have to deal with the grandmother now being arrested for the incident. It’s a very hard blow for everyone.”

A Devastating Accident

According to the police report, the woman stopped the vehicle immediately after realizing what had happened and has been fully cooperating with the investigation.

“It can be safely stated that I don’t believe she knew the child was in front of the car,” Seuzeneau said.

The accident occurred about 28 miles northeast of New Orleans.

An autopsy for Carson, who had just turned 5 in June, is scheduled for later this week, the bureau said. from the county coroner.

Authorities continue to investigate the details of the incident and the exact levels of alcohol and substances in Anders' system at the time of the hit-and-run.

“This situation is devastating for everyone involved,” the police chief concluded.