A man arrested over the weekend was out for more than a Sunday drive when he was spotted by a Lake Bistineau State Park Ranger who was patrolling the Doyline area on Dement Road. 

 

The man was parked in front of a house and appeared to the ranger like he may have been in need of assistance. When the ranger turned around to go back to assist, he saw the man run from the woods, put something into his trunk and speed away despite the ranger’s attempt to stop him. When the driver finally stopped on Highway 163, the 21-year-old driver provided what turned out to be a false name and quickly fled the officer a second time. 

 

Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched for assistance in pursuing the fleeing suspect. The vehicle, loaded with a trunk-full of tools and lawn equipment, was traveling at a high rate of speed when it crashed in the parking lot of a local church and struck a utility pole, knocking power lines into the roadway.

 

“By this time the Sheriff’s Office, the ranger and Wildlife and Fisheries had joined pursuit and were on the scene,” explained arresting officer Dep. Wade Wells. “We all knew he was up to no good, running like he was. I’m just glad we got him; and we thank the Ranger for spotting him.”

 

The Ragley, La. driver, James T. Roach, was taken into custody. When deputies began to speak with the man, a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage was detected. Sobriety tests were administered and upon questioning, Roach admitted to drinking alcohol and smoking cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine earlier in the day.

 

When officers searched the vehicle and found the various items in the trunk of his car, he admitted to stealing them from a Dement Road home moments before the ranger pulled him over. The owner of the residence was contacted and was able to identify the stolen items.

 

Roach was administered the Intoxilyzer 5000 test, in which he displayed a blood alcohol content of .071, and a urine sample was sent for drug testing. 

 

Roach, also a Webster Parish fugitive, was charged with felony simple burglary and theft, DWI first offense, open container, resisting an officer, aggravated flight, reckless operation of a vehicle, and an outstanding charge for criminal damage to property. He was transported without incident to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center for booking.