Baton Rouge Daily Local Headlines: March 1, 2026
Baton Rouge, LA – March 1, 2026 – Fatal motorcycle crash details, a weekend shooting update, a storage-burglary arrest, and downtown MOVEBR work.
Top local headlines
Fatal motorcycle crash on Airline Highway
State troopers say a 43-year-old Gonzales man, Samuel Wright, died after a Saturday afternoon crash on US 61 (Airline Highway) just south of Jefferson Highway. Investigators say the motorcycle struck the rear of a Kia Soul, ejecting the rider; he later died at the hospital. The Kia’s driver and passenger were reported to have minor injuries.
Weekend violence: fatal shooting near Plank Road
Baton Rouge Police say 27-year-old Demarcus Variste was killed in an early-morning shooting on the 2600 block of Osage Street near Plank Road on Saturday. Investigators say a fight happened before shots were fired and the shooter ran off; no suspect had been publicly identified as of Sunday morning.
Storage-unit burglary case: suspect arrested
Deputies and police investigators say a man accused of breaking into dozens of storage units in Baton Rouge has been arrested in Livingston Parish. Investigators allege multiple burglaries at storage facilities along Old Hammond Highway and Essen Lane, with padlocks cut and property taken. Authorities say the Baton Rouge cases still involve numerous simple-burglary counts.
Downtown work shifts for MOVEBR bus rapid transit
Construction tied to the MOVEBR bus rapid transit project has moved into downtown, with crews building station platforms and related infrastructure. The project is tied to the BRapid service and is intended to improve connections between North Baton Rouge, downtown, and LSU along a central corridor.
Community note: 225 Fest returns
The free 225 Fest drew residents downtown Saturday with live music, food vendors, shopping, and activities aimed at boosting visibility for local small businesses.
Sources
https://lsp.org/community-outreach/news/excessive-speed-contributes-to-fatal-motorcycle-crash-in-east-baton-rouge-parish/
https://www.wafb.com/2026/03/01/man-motorcycle-crashes-into-car-dies-injuries-hospital-troopers-say/
https://www.wafb.com/2026/02/28/coroner-called-shooting-scene-plank-rd-baton-rouge-officials-say/
https://www.wbrz.com/news/man-accused-of-burglarizing-more-than-20-baton-rouge-storage-units-arrested-in-livingston-parish/
https://www.wbrz.com/news/construction-for-movebr-bus-rapid-transit-project-moves-to-downtown-baton-rouge/
https://www.wbrz.com/news/225-fest-returns-to-capital-region-for-fourth-annual-festival/
