A woman accused of striking and killing a Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy with her car earlier this year has entered a plea in court.
Erica Smith Katsanis was in court Wednesday in New Orleans, where she was arraigned. Katsanis entered a plea of not guilty.
Her next court date in the case is set for Aug. 19.
About the case:
Christopher Ohlmeyer was struck and killed while he was working a funeral procession in February.
Ohlmeyer served with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office for nearly 15 years.
According to the NOPD, Katsanis’ toxicology report showed she had several medications in her system at the time of the crash and may have been impaired.
Court documents show Katsanis tested positive for:
- Aminoclonazepam
- Clonazepam
- Dextromethorphan/Levomethorphan
- Aripiprazole
- Bupropion
- Diphendydramine
- Fluoxetine
- Methylphenidate
- Paroxetine
The court records say that common side effects for these medications include increased heart rate, dizziness, or restlessness.
Of these medications, court records show the strongest are Paroxetine and Clonazepam, which commonly cause drowsiness, according to court records.
“With her age plus all of those medications together, would definitely cause somebody to be altered,” said board-certified physician Dr. Courtney Washington.
NOPD also reported that Katsanis did not use her car brakes during the incident and believes it could have been avoided.
Katsanis is related to a former school board member and current Kenner city council person.
Katsanis is out on a $200,000 bond and is not allowed to use a car.
About Deputy Ohlmeyer:
He graduated from the Training Academy in August 2014, and after graduation, he was assigned to the 4th District, where he spent 11 years serving the people of the Eastbank.
In 2025, he was transferred to the Traffic Division and recently qualified as a motorman.
Ohlmeyer is survived by his wife, Desiree, and children, Gavin and Olivia.
According to the New Orleans Police Department, the crash happened in the 9200 block of Airline Highway around 11:40 a.m.
NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said Ohlmeyer was riding a motorcycle during a funeral procession when he was hit from behind by another car.
Ohlmeyer was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead.
The driver was also transported to the hospital for treatment.
This is an ongoing investigation.
Click here to learn how you can support the family of Ohlmeyer.
Ohlmeyer’s family made the following statement:
“Today, we express our sadness at the loss of our beloved Deputy Christopher P. Ohlmeyer. He was not only a dedicated law enforcement officer, but a loving family member and someone who lived his life in service to others.
“Christopher was deeply committed to protecting his community and serving with honor, integrity, and compassion. His badge was an important part of who he was, but to us, he was more. He was a person who impacted the lives of everyone who knew him.
“We are heartbroken by this loss and ask for privacy as we grieve and support one another during this difficult time. We are grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the community, the Sheriff’s Office, and our extended law enforcement family.
“We hope that Christopher will be remembered for his service and his sacrifice.”
Deputy Ohlmeyer was laid to rest in February.
READ MORE:Woman accused of striking, killing JPSO deputy with her car enters plea in court
