West Monroe Police officers investigated a hit and run crash at 212 Haynes St. on Thursday evening.

Witness testimony revealed Marcus Plaisance, 42, of Monroe drove from a private parking lot onto a public roadway, struck another vehicle, and left the scene. Witnesses followed Plaisance where he pulled into a business on 212 Haynes St.

At the scene, officers observed Plaisance to have an unsteady balance and emitting the smell of alcohol. Plaisance also had slurred speech and officers stated he was leaning over the truck and building wall to steady himself.

Plaisance admitted to taking 26 Kratom pills and drinking one pint of Apple Vodka before driving. He advised officers he had not consumed anything since he parked at the business.

Kratom currently isn’t illegal and is typically used for drug withdrawal symptoms although there isn’t any scientific evidence to confim whether it is effective or not.

Plaisance refused a field sobriety test and refused to provide a breathalyzer sample once at WMCC. While refusing the tests, Plaisance stated he felt intoxicated.Plaisance was taken to Glenwood Hospital for a judge-approved blood draw.

A computer check revealed Plaisance’s driver’s license as suspended, and an expired vehicle’s inspection sticker. He was then booked at OCC.

He was charged with Expired MVI, Operating Vehicle while License is Suspended, Careless Operation, Hit & Run Driving (Misdemeanor) and Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated. Records showed he had a history of a DWI charge.

His bond was set at $2,150.