SLIDELL, La. (WVUE) - A Slidell man who was arrested after authorities say he fatally struck a 6-year-old boy with his vehicle and fled is free again after the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says new evidence suggests a mistaken arrest.

St. Tammany Parish deputies responded just before 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, near Northshore Lane after reports that a child on a scooter was hit in a driveway, according to the sheriff’s office.

The boy’s family identified him as Jeremiah Ramirez. His mother took him to a local hospital, where he later died.

Investigators at the time said that the vehicle in question was a gray 2022 Chevrolet Suburban.

Cody Beaudette, 35, was arrested later that day after deputies spotted a vehicle fitting that description.

The sheriff’s office now says that they

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