Pursuit nabs teen in Berwick stolen vehicle case; MC man faces second burglary charge

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)

Berwick police say they pursued a stolen car Thursday and arrested the 15-year-old driver, who now faces aggravated flight, marijuana and gun charges.

Morgan City police made two theft arrests, and Assumption deputies detained a Morgan City man on a felony burglary charge.

Berwick

Chief David S. Leonard reported that the Berwick Police Department responded to 10 calls in the last 24-hour reporting period and made this arrest:

--Juvenile, 15, was arrested at 2:53 p.m. Thursday on charges of aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce, aggravated flight in a vehicle, improper lane usage, no driver’s license, stop signs and yield signs, illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile, illegal possession of stolen things (vehicle), hit and run, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, prohibited acts (marijuana), possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer.

About 2:40 p.m. Thursday, officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling east on La. 182 that was confirmed to be stolen.

The driver refused to stop, leading officers on a pursuit that entered the area near Berwick Elementary School. A short time later, the suspect crashed the vehicle into a yard and fled on foot.

Out of an abundance of caution, Berwick Elementary School was placed on lockdown while officers searched the area. Within minutes, the suspect was located and taken into custody. At no time were students or staff in danger, and no injuries were reported during this incident.

The juvenile was booked into the Berwick Jail pending juvenile court proceedings.

“Again, we are very fortunate that no one was injured during this incident,” Leonard said. “Juveniles with no driving experience not only place themselves and the public in danger, but also our police officers who work tirelessly to keep our community safe.

“When they engage in this type of reckless behavior, they must be held accountable for their actions.”

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 41 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Jamaar Harris, 27, Zwest Park Lane, Gonzalas, was arrested at 9:26 a.m. Thursday on a charge of failure to appear (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Darryle Ruffin, 69, Mallard Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:04 a.m. Thursday on a charge of theft (under $1,000). (Released on summons.)

--Thomas Jones, 36, Jones Street, Berwick, was arrested at 1:13 p.m. Thursday on a charge of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Stephanie Harvey, 46, Cane Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:35 p.m. Thursday on a charge of theft (under $1,000).

--Monique Landry, 30, Julia Street, New Iberia, was arrested at 9:37 p.m. Thursday on charges of criminal damage to property and two counts of failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Buster Henry, 36, Halsey Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:43 p.m. Thursday on two counts of failure to appear for trial (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

Assumption

Sheriff Leland Falcon reported this arrest:

--Ronald Joseph Gibbs, 34, Diana Drive, Morgan City, was booked Wednesday on a charge of simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling.

The charge arises from an incident on or about Oct. 27 that occurred at a residence on La. 402 west of Paincourtville.

Deputies responded to a complaint of a residential burglary and made contact with the complainant, who advised the home had been burglarized and numerous valuables stolen. Detectives initiated an investigation and secured biological samples as evidence for scientific analysis.

On Nov. 20, the same complainant reported the theft of an ATV off-road vehicle and an outboard engine. Deputies and detectives arrested Gibbs on Nov. 20 and recovered the stolen ATV and outboard engine.

At the time, Gibbs was charged with felony theft and a probation-parole violation. Gibbs was convicted on the felony theft charges July 28.

On July 14, detectives received confirmation indicating that the scientific analysis of the biological samples obtained in connection with the Oct. 27 burglary were a match to Gibbs.

On Wednesday, detectives filed an arrest warrant charging Gibbs with the Oct. 27 burglary.

He was booked Wednesday and remains incarcerated with bond set at $75,000. Gibbs is currently serving sentences for the felony theft charges and the probation violation.