The man killed when he was struck by a train in downtown Ruston early Friday evening has been identified by authorities.
Authorities identified the man as M. R. “Trey” Roberson, III, 54, of Highway 822, Dubach. Ruston Police said the death appears to be a suicide.
A witness who asked not to be identified told the Lincoln Parish Journal the man appeared to be waiting on the tracks for the train.
About 5:36 p.m. Friday, Ruston Police and Fire units responded to the scene beside the Canadian Pacific – Kansas City Railway about midway between Trenton and Monroe Streets.
The man’s body was found a few yards away not far off the rails.
Traffic was snarled for over an hour with the Monroe and Homer Streets and U. S. 167 railroad crossings blocked by the stopped train while police investigated.
Once the of string of mostly flatcars loaded with shipping containers stopped at the Homer Street crossing, the westbound train stretched all the way back to the Farmerville Street overpass.
