Sobriety checkpoints were held on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2009 in several areas throughout Webster Parish. Both roadways and waterways were targeted in this particular project, which was the effort of partnering agencies who were focused on removing intoxicated drivers and operators from behind the controls, and out of danger to themselves or others.

 

“Too many people are killed or seriously injured as a result of impaired driving,” said Webster Parish Sheriff Gary S. Sexton. “Stopping impaired drivers is now, and will remain, one of our highest goals.”

 

Deputies and Wildlife and Fisheries officers established Saturday’s checkpoints on LA Highway 2 near Sarepta and on LA Highway 157 near Springhill, and Sunday’s checkpoints on LA Highway 527, LA Highway 163, Bayou Dorcheat and Lake Bistineau in Doyline.

 

Dozens of drivers and boaters were checked resulting in seven arrests on Saturday and six on Sunday, and an additional count of 23 citations for open container. 

 

Johnny B. Green, 57, of Minden was arrested and charged with first offense DWI following poor performance of field sobriety tests and an elevated blood alcohol content.

 

Larry M. Bailey, 58, of Minden was arrested and charged with sixth offense DWI, open container, possession of a legend drug, and possession of CDS Schedule IV narcotic following poor performance of field sobriety tests, extremely elevated blood alcohol content and search of the vehicle. 

 

Felton Green, 70, of Springhill was arrested and charged with first offense DWI and expired driver’s license following poor performance and inability to complete field sobriety tests and extremely elevated blood alcohol content.

 

Kevin D. Hicks, 38, of Sarepta was arrested and charged with first offense DWI following admission of alcohol consumption while driving, poor performance of field sobriety tests, and elevated blood alcohol content.

 

John D. Williams, 65, of Cullen was arrested and charged with second offense DWI and open container following admission of alcohol consumption while driving, poor performance of field sobriety tests, elevated blood alcohol content and search of the vehicle.

 

Tammy H. Burleson, 46, of Springhill was arrested and charged with first offense DWI following poor performance of field sobriety tests. Intoxilyzer 5000 and DWI questionnaire were refused by Burleson.

 

Michael Slade Sykes, 34, of Shreveport was arrested and charged with second offense DWI-J (with juvenile present), following failure of field sobriety tests conducted by officers on the waters of Bayou Dorcheat, where Sykes was operating a marine vessel with four juvenile passengers aboard. Sykes was also arrested as a fugitive from Bossier Parish.

 

Lucky Bridges, 45, of Haughton was arrested and charged with sixth offense DWI, third offense refusal to chemical test, improper backing, and ignition interlock devices following Bridges’ approach and sudden flee at a high rate of speed from the checkpoint sight. Officers stopped Bridges and arrested him following his refusal of the breathalyzer test.

 

Matthew Jeter, 18, of Doyline was arrested and charged with first offense DWI and open container following poor performance on field sobriety tests, elevated blood alcohol content, and search of his vehicle. Jeter also provided a urine sample which is being tested by the Louisiana State Police crime lab for suspected marijuana. 

 

Ronald E. Shehee, 37, of Washington state was arrested and charged with first offense DWI and open container following admission of alcohol consumption, poor performance on field sobriety tests, extremely elevated blood alcohol content and search of his vehicle. 

 

Daniel Michael Moore, 21, of Minden was arrested and charged with first offense DWI and possession of a CDS schedule I following poor performance on field sobriety tests, elevated blood alcohol content, admission to marijuana usage, and search of the vehicle. Moore refused to provide a urine sample but cigarettes containing suspected marijuana were confiscated for testing.

 

Steven D. Parker, 20, of Minden was arrested and charged with open container, possession of a CDS schedule IV and underage public consumption of alcohol following officer observation of consumption of alcohol in the vehicle and a subsequent search.

 

Dwayne O. Dupree, Jr., 20, of Minden was arrested and charged with first offense DWI and improper lane usage following officer observation of impaired driving, poor performance on field sobriety tests and an elevated blood alcohol content.

 

All individuals were transported without incident to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center for booking.

 

“I’ve been in law enforcement for more than 17 years,” said Chief Deputy Bobby Igo. “And I’ve not seen a checkpoint this successful in a long time. We’re very pleased,” he concluded.

 

The Sheriff’s Department chose to partner with Wildlife and Fisheries for more reasons than the goal they share. The Department was pleased to have the opportunity to share access to Wildlife and Fisheries’ new Intoxilyzer Van, a mobile office and command center complete with an Intoxilyzer 5000. 

 

“The mobile unit allowed officers to immediately capture the blood alcohol content of individuals suspected of intoxication and impaired operation of a vehicle,” explained Lt. Robert Hayden. “Having use of this equipment and the professional assistance of the Wildlife and Fisheries agents made this effort more effective and efficient; and we appreciate that.”

 

In an unrelated incident, checkpoint officers were in the right place at the right time when an emergency call requesting assistance on Lake Bistineau came through the 911 call center on Sunday. A man and his son were recreating on the lake when the man fell from the boat and was unable to re-board following injury. His 12-year-old son was able to call for assistance and keep her father afloat until Wildlife and Fishery agents quickly arrived on scene. The man was air-lifted to a local hospital and is expected to fully recover from the injuries he sustained.