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Update on tropical system development
Relayed by the National Weather Service in Lake Charles:
The National Hurricane Center has a high 80 percent chance for tropical development in the northern Gulf of Mexico. A low pressure area currently over Georgia will move south and be in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday. This system is currently forecast to move west across the Gulf of Mexico, making landfall this weekend, somewhere near the southeast Texas or southwest Louisiana coast, possibly as strong as a category one hurricane.
Besides a wind threat for coastal areas later this weekend, there is potential for very heavy rains (over 10 inches) and coastal flooding.
The potential landfall projection will likely change over the next several days, as well as the potential intensity of this tropical system. Stay tuned for updates as we head through this week.
From the Editor: St. Mary remembers 'Easy Rider'
Ever wish you could throw your leg over a chopped hog and just take off, in any direction?
Ever wish you could put a little money into a little movie and make it to the big time?
St. Mary Parish will celebrate the convergence of those two desires this weekend with Bikers on the Bayou, which will mark the 50th anniversary of the release of “Easy Rider,” parts of which were filmed in the parish.
The St. Mary Chamber of Commerce and the Cajun Coast Convention and Tourism Commission have been working together on the event. It runs 9 a.m.-dark Saturday and promises music; photo ops; car, motorcycle and rat rod shows; pirogue races; and swamp tours. Bikers on the Bayou will be in downtown Franklin.
St. Mary has long owned a piece of Hollywood history. Elmo Lincoln’s “Tarzan of the Apes,” the first motion picture adaptation of the Edgar Rice Burroughs classic, was filmed in the jungles of Morgan City for 1918 release.
And, of course, the Travel Channel’s “Ghosts of Morgan City” is in the middle of its eight-episode run on Friday nights. The show’s Facebook page is promising a season finale party 6-9 p.m. Aug. 9. Watch for details.
So every 50 years, our name goes up in lights. And maybe this is a good time in St. Mary’s history to remember “Easy Rider.” It started with a little dab of money and struck oil.
According to all the movie history I can Google up, the movie began as a project by actors Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper and writer Terry Southern.
Southern had already shown a gift for satirical writing in “Dr. Strangelove.” Hopper was an Actor’s Studio product who had been close to James Dean.
Hopper appeared with his friend in classics “Giant” and “Rebel Without a Cause” and with Clint Eastwood in “Hang ‘em High” before he teamed up with Fonda for “The Trip.” Then “Easy Rider” came along.
Fonda was a big name in movies, of course. Peter’s father Henry was a bonafide Hollywood legend, and sister Jane was already famous for “Barbarella” and “Barefoot in the Park.” But Peter Fonda had been slogging along in biker movies and the work of B-movie impresario Roger Corman.
By reputation, Corman has a gift for making movies on the cheap. Maybe Fonda learned it.
Together, Fonda, Hopper and Southern managed to put together $400,000 to put their dream on celluloid. That wasn’t a lot of movie money, even in the Sixties.
Fonda and Hopper played hippies who buy cocaine in Mexico and sell it across the border. Then they set off across the desert on motorcycles for New Orleans and Mardi Gras.
Along the way, they encounter a free-love commune, various hippie-haters, St. Mary Parish and a whiskey-saturated lawyer with a football helmet and weird ideas about UFOs. That role was played with gusto by another young actor named Jack Nicholson.
If you find me in error, please leave an indignant post on Facebook. But a quick look at the movie (it’s available on Amazon Prime Video) reveals scenery from Franklin, the hump-back bridge and a swamp scene from Amelia, and a trek across the old bridge between Berwick and Morgan City.
One bit of text visible in the movie pinpoints a specific location: St. Mary Parish Waterworks District No. 2 in Centerville. It’s painted on a window.
The geography seems a little confused. As the hippies roll — maybe I should rephrase that, because this was before “just say no” — they seem to go through Amelia, then Franklin, over the old bridge and then what looks like Amelia again.
Call it special effects.
The movie turned out to be a smash, relatively speaking, and gets credit for being the first American mainstream hit about the Sixties counter-culture. It also kicked off the indie movie movement of the 1970s.
Along the way, “Easy Rider” made more than $41 million at the U.S. box office, or $100 for every $1 originally invested. The producers had to spend more than that in post-production to obtain music licenses.
And what music “Easy Rider” has. It includes “The Pusher” (written by Hoyt Axton, believe it or not) and “Born to be Wild” from Steppenwolf; the Band’s “The Weight”; Carole King and Gerry Goffin’s “Wasn’t Born to Follow” by the Byrds; and “If 6 Was 9” by Jimi Hendrix. Roger McGuinn of the Byrds wrote “Ballad of Easy Rider” and covered Bob Dylan’s “It’s All Right Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)” for the soundtrack.
The cast, like the movie, included some interesting characters. Luke Askew, who plays the hitchhiker who leads our boys to the desert commune, appeared in Preminger’s “Hurry Sundown” with Jane Fonda as well as in “Cool Hand Luke.”
When Hopper and Fonda make it to New Orleans, they hook up with some shady ladies. One of them is Toni Basil, who was also a dancer and singer and had a bubblegum hit called “Mickey” in 1981.
Another lady of ill repute was played by Karen Black. A few years after “Easy Rider,” Black became famous in a TV horror movie called “Trilogy of Terror.” Her one-actor segment about a woman terrorized by a doll that comes to homicidal life was the talk of my high school the next day.
The little guy in the Nehru jacket who buys the cocaine from Hopper and Fonda was Phil Spector, the music producer who invented pop’s Wall of Sound. His hits include “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” by the Righteous Brothers and George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord.”
Spector, now almost 80, is in prison for killing his girlfriend, direct-to-video actress Lana Clarkson, in 2003.
Without spoiling, the movie includes some on-screen violence, too. But it’s a way to hear some great music, relive a unique time and get a glimpse of St. Mary as it was 50 years ago.
Bill Decker is managing editor of The Daily Review.
Louisiana Spotlight: Governor's race mired in the dog days
By MELINDA DESLATTE Associated Press
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — With the Deep South’s only Democratic governor in a fight to hold his seat in an increasingly red state, you’d think the Louisiana governor’s race would be intensely heated. Instead, it’s been fairly ho-hum so far.
The major candidates — Democratic incumbent John Bel Edwards, U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, and wealthy businessman Eddie Rispone — or their surrogates have engaged in minor skirmishes and regularly traded attacks on social media.
But no one’s launched a major television ad campaign. Edwards and his two GOP challengers haven’t traded jabs in a debate. The candidates haven’t released lengthy policy platforms for the next four-year term or visions for Louisiana’s future. The Republican contenders aren’t releasing schedules of campaign events yet.
“I don’t think we’re going to have a feel for things until the race really starts, and it hasn’t really started yet. It will start when people go up on television, (looking at) the amount of resources they have, how they spend those resources,” Republican U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, a veteran of political races, said last week when asked about the gubernatorial contest.
The below-the-public-radar vibe appears likely to start changing soon, as the Aug. 6-8 election sign-up period nears, often the unofficial uptick in public campaigning and appearances.
Campaigns say they are readying for their onslaught of TV ads, though none have publicly released a schedule yet. Meanwhile, Edwards started a statewide RV tour Saturday that continues all week, as he swings into full campaign mode.
Up to now, the most intense attention in the governor’s race happened months ago, amid the wait to see which big-name Republicans would jump into the competition. In the end, none of them did. Kennedy, U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise and Attorney General Jeff Landry passed on the race.
Rispone and Abraham then entered. They’ve started from behind, needing to build name identification since they were little-known among many Louisiana voters. Rispone, founder of a Baton Rouge industrial contracting company, is a long-time GOP political donor running for his first elected office. Abraham, a doctor from rural Richland Parish in northeast Louisiana, is a third-term congressman.
Edwards’ attention from April through early June often centered on the disputes of the regular legislative session. Meanwhile, his Republican challengers were largely focused on rallying support from GOP donors and groups, trying to prove their viability and position themselves as the best competitor to defeat Edwards.
While all three candidates run on the ballot together, the Republicans are trying to build campaigns from the same base of support.
Abraham has sought to suggest Republican support is coalescing around his candidacy by announcing a campaign finance committee chaired by shipbuilder Donald “Boysie” Bollinger and New Orleans real estate developer Joe Canizaro, who also are co-chairs of President Donald Trump’s campaign finance operation in Louisiana.
Rispone didn’t comment on Abraham’s announcement. It’s unclear if any fundraising statement will shake Rispone, who’s indicated he’s willing to largely self-finance his candidacy and already put $10 million of his own cash into his campaign account.
The last campaign finance reports were filed in April, with Abraham far behind both Edwards and Rispone in cash in the bank. Abraham reported $1 million in his account, compared to $10.2 million for Edwards and $10.5 million for Rispone. Also in the race is Gary Landrieu, an independent candidate who hasn’t reported any fundraising, but who is on a bus tour and says he intends to visit every parish in Louisiana.
Updated campaign finance reports are due to the state ethics administration office next week. They won’t show much activity for Edwards, who faced a three-month fundraising blackout during the legislative session and the post-session month when he decided whether to sign or veto bills. The blackout period ended this weekend.
Beyond fundraising, Louisiana public policy groups hope candidates will start shopping more specific issue ideas as they seek to win voter support.
“This is a critical time for Louisiana. We sit at the bottom of more lists than we can count, and though we’ve seen progress in some areas, we know we need to do more,” the Council for A Better Louisiana said in a recent statement.
Melinda Deslatte has covered Louisiana politics for The Associated Press since 2000. Follow her at http://twitter.com/melindadeslatte
Helicopter recovered after crash that killed seven
HAVANA (AP) — Accident investigators in the Bahamas say they have recovered the helicopter that crashed after taking off from a remote private island on July 4, killing coal billionaire Chris Cline and six other Americans, as well as a British citizen.
The Bahamas Air Accident Investigation Department said on its website that a Florida-based contractor pulled the Agusta AW139 helicopter from the ocean late Saturday night.
The helicopter was expected to be taken to Fort Lauderdale and then to an accident investigation facility in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Authorities have said it is too early to draw conclusions about the cause of the crash. They do not believe a distress call was made, and they only began searching after police received a report from Florida that the craft had failed to arrive in Fort Lauderdale as expected.
Those killed included Cline’s 22-year-old daughter, Kameron, and three of her close friends: Brittney Layne Searson, Jillian Clark, and Delaney Wykle. Searson, Clark and Kameron Cline were recent graduates of Louisiana State University. Wykle had recently graduated from West Virginia University.
Brad Ullman, executive director of the West Virginia Golf Association, confirmed that David Jude also was killed in the crash.
Bahamas Police Supt. Shanta Knowles said Saturday that Geoffrey Painter of Barnstaple in the United Kingdom also was killed, and she confirmed the other victims’ identities to The Associated Press.
Cline began toiling in the mines of southern West Virginia at a young age, rising through the ranks of his father’s company quickly before forming his own energy development business, the Cline Group, which grew into one of the country’s top coal producers.
He went on to amass a fortune and became a major Republican donor.
Paula Wykle, Delaney’s mother, said her daughter had just passed her nursing boards and when one of the vacationing party got sick and needed to be transported back to the mainland, Delaney Wykle wanted to be there to help.
“She got to practice nursing for one day,” Wykle said, calling her daughter “smart, loving, and one of the best friends anyone could ever ask for.”
The accident investigation department also said it was interviewing witnesses on Big Grand Cay, the island owned by Cline. The department has said the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Safety Board of Italy and the manufacturer of the aircraft and engine would all provide assistance with the investigation.
100 Black Men Scholarships
Submitted Photo
The 100 Black Men of St. Mary Parish Inc. recently named its 2019 scholarship winners. Pictured from left are President Clarence Robinson Jr., Edvardo Fernandez of Morgan City High, Trayon’ Ray of Patterson High, Samuel Boutte III of Patterson High, A’Jaycia McCurtis of Franklin High, Stephen Augman Jr. of West St. Mary High, and members Butch Metz and George Small. The organization's total scholarship award for 2019 was for $6,500.
Coming to the bridge
Submitted Photos
Morgan City and Berwick were a little closer Saturday, when officials closed the La. 182 bridge to vehicles and opened it to bicycle and pedestrian traffic. The goal is to link the trails in the two municipalities now and again to offer a recreational opportunity. The bridge-walking Saturdays are part of plans to use the riverfronts to create interest and revitalization.
Police: Meth, marijuana found in vehicle
Two people were arrested Saturday in Berwick after police searched a vehicle and found a substantial amount of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia, Police Chief David Leonard Sr. said in a news release.
One of the suspects allegedly admitted the drugs were hers.
—Summer Gaudet, 24, of Lake Palourde Road in Amelia, was arrested at 8:10 p.m. Saturday on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia.
—Devin Vining, 26, of River Road in Berwick, was arrested at 8:10 p.m. Saturday on a charge of probation violation.
At 7:41 p.m. Saturday, officers were patrolling the area of Third Street when they observed a vehicle pass being driven by Vining. Police were aware that he did not have a driver’s license, Leonard said.
A traffic stop was conducted on Fourth Street in Morgan City and the driver was identified as Vining. Police verified that Vining did not have a driver’s license. During the traffic stop, Vining and his passenger, Gaudet, began acting in a suspicious manner, Leonard said.
Officers gained consent to search the vehicle and located a substantial amount of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia, Leonard said. While interviewing both subjects, Gaudet admitted that the drugs located were hers, Leonard said. Police also discovered that Vining had a warrant for a probation violation. Both were jailed with no bail set.
Leonard reported the following arrests:
—Percy Brown III, 29, of Lucy Street in Lafayette, was arrested at 1:15 a.m. Saturday on charges of speeding 70 mph in a 55 mph zone, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and a St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant charging him with second-degree battery.
At 12:39 a.m. Saturday, officers conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 90 in Berwick on a vehicle for speeding 70 mph in a 55 mph zone. Upon making contact with the driver, he was identified as Brown. Officers gained consent to search the vehicle and later located a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle, Leonard said.
Brown admitted that the drugs were his and was arrested, Leonard said. Officers also learned of a St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant for his arrest. Brown’s bail was set at $3,750 on the traffic and drug charges and also posted $10,000 bail on the second-degree battery charge.
—Shawn Boudreaux, 40, of Martin Road in Franklin, was arrested at 3:10 p.m. Sunday on charges of possession of Suboxone with intent to distribute and criminal mischief.
At 2:25 p.m. Sunday, officers received a complaint from an off-duty sheriff’s office employee that Boudreaux was observed going through people’s yards in the area of Pharr and Francis streets. Officers began to investigate and later learned that Boudreaux was last seen going into a home on Francis Street, Leonard said.
Officers later made contact with Boudreaux at a home on Francis Street and arrested on a charge of criminal mischief. After his arrest, Boudreaux was searched and found in possession of Suboxone. After a further investigation, police learned that Boudreaux had tried selling Suboxone to the homeowner where he was found, Leonard said. Boudreaux was jailed with no bail set.
—Benjamin Justillian, 26, of Rose Street in Berwick, was arrested at 12:48 a.m. Sunday on a 16th Judicial District Court warrant charging him with failure to appear on a charge of criminal trespass.
Officers responded to a Rose Street address in reference to a disturbance at that location involving Justillian being intoxicated, Leonard said. Upon officers arriving, they made contact with Justillian and a warrant check revealed that he had a warrant for district court. Justillian was booked on the warrant and later transported to parish jail.
—A female juvenile, 14, of Morgan City, was arrested at 6:57 p.m. Sunday on a charge of simple battery.
Officers responded to Oregon Street in reference to a fight involving two juveniles. During the investigation, officers reviewed a video that had been taken of the fight, and they gathered information to make an arrest, Leonard said. The juvenile was arrested and later released the custody of her parents.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that deputies responded to 194 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests relating to the area:
—Walter William Kidder, 35, of Neptune Street in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 12:39 p.m. Wednesday on three warrants for failure to appear on charges of possession of Subutex, possession of Suboxone, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana 14 grams or less, failure to stop/yield at a stop sign and two counts of criminal neglect of family.
Kidder was turned in by a bondsman at parish jail on warrants. Bail was set at $1,826.
—Timothy Scott Crum, 40, of La. 663 in Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested at 5:27 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant for failure to appear on a charge of possession of methamphetamine.
Crum was transported from the Assumption Parish jail to the St. Mary Parish jail on warrants for his arrest. No bail was set.
—Wosha Anthony Ruffin, 39, of Grace Street in Siracusa, was arrested at 5:31 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant charging him with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of ecstasy with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Ruffin was transported from Terrebonne Parish jail to St. Mary Parish jail on warrants for his arrest. Bail was set at $1,500.
—Deontay Deion Jones, 22, of Taft Street in Patterson, was arrested at 9:43 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of disturbing the peace by fighting.
—Rhykeelon Jae’von Talver, 21, of Tall Timber Lane in Patterson, was arrested at 9:43 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of disturbing the peace by fighting.
A deputy working a detail observed two subjects, identified as Jones and Taylor, fighting at a business. Both Jones and Taylor were transported to parish jail for booking. Bail on Jones and Taylor was set at $1,000 each.
—Tiffany Lynn Remedies, 29, of U.S. 90 West in Patterson, was arrested at 9:12 a.m. Thursday on a warrant for failure to appear on a charge of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Remedies turned herself in at parish jail on a warrant. No bail was set.
—Jeremie Martin Paul, 28, of Jupiter Street in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 10:58 a.m. Thursday on charges of simple battery and criminal damage to property.
A deputy was dispatched to the 100 block of Southeast Boulevard in Bayou Vista in reference to property being damaged. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with Paul. The deputy learned that Paul damaged the complainant’s property and had committed a battery on the complainant, Smith said. Paul was jailed with bail set at $3,000.
—A female juvenile, 17, was arrested at 1:48 p.m. Thursday on a charge of ungovernable juvenile.
Deputies were dispatched to a home in Patterson in reference to a missing juvenile. After further investigation, the juvenile was located and arrested. She was released to a guardian pending juvenile court proceedings.
—Christine Elizabeth Sharp, 50, of Hebert Street in Franklin, was arrested at 6:51 p.m. Thursday on a charge of driving under suspension.
A deputy was patrolling the Bayou Vista area when he observed a vehicle make an improper U-turn near Southeast Boulevard and U.S. 90. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, identified as Sharp. The deputy was advised by dispatch that Sharp was driving under suspension. She was released on a summons to appear in court Oct. 16.
—Adrian Lynn Billiot, 37, of Francis Street in Patterson, was arrested at 2:45 p.m. Friday on charges of disturbing the peace by language, entry/remain on premises after being forbidden and a warrant for failure to appear on charges of simple battery and disturbing the peace.
A deputy was dispatched to a home in Patterson in reference to a disturbance. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with the complainant said that Billiot was causing a disturbance. The deputy was advised by dispatch that Billiot held an active warrant for her arrest. Billiot was jailed with bail set at $8,250.
—Agatha Maria McCleary, 27, of Brashear Avenue in Morgan City, was arrested at 8:29 p.m. Saturday on two warrants for failure to appear on charges of domestic abuse battery first offense and theft less than $1,000.
McCleary was located at a business in Patterson on the active warrants for her arrest. McCleary was jailed with no bail set.
—Troy Carnley, 39, of Henry Street in Patterson, was arrested at 11:39 p.m. Friday on charges of resisting an officer by giving false information, resisting arrest or officer, resisting an officer by flight and on a warrant charging him with failure to appear for improper turn and/or failure to give required signal and failure to maintain automobile liability insurance, and a Patterson bench warrant charging him with trailer and towed vehicles, no insurance, failure to carry registration, expired license plate, resisting an officer by flight and theft of a motor vehicle.
—Valerie Soto, 35, 116 Moffett Court in Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested at 11:41 p.m. Friday on a warrant for failure to appear on a charge of criminal neglect of family.
A deputy patrolling the area of Lake Palourde Road observed a vehicle with no operating taillights. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Carnley, and a passenger, Soto. During the stop, the deputy was advised by dispatch of an active warrant for Soto’s arrest.
As the deputy was arresting Soto, Carnley ran from the scene but was quickly apprehended, Smith said. The deputy was advised by dispatch of the active warrants for Carnley. Carnley and Soto were both jailed with no bail set.
—Cherie Anne Hazel, 27, of Main Street in Patterson, was arrested at 2:14 p.m. Saturday on a charge of expired or no inspection sticker and on warrant for failure to appear on charges of expired motor vehicle inspection sticker and no insurance.
A deputy was patrolling Bayou Vista when he observed a vehicle traveling with an expired inspection sticker. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Hazel. During the stop, the deputy was advised of an active warrant for Hazel. Hazel was booked into jail and then released on a summons.
—Manuel Garcia, 31, of Shannon Street in Patterson, was arrested at 1:52 p.m. Saturday on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.
A deputy was the area of Amelia when he observed a vehicle cross the outer fog line prior to making a left-hand turn. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Garcia. During the stop, drug paraphernalia was found, Smith said. Garcia was released on a summons to appear in court Oct. 16.
—Kiharia Raiheem Harris, 22, of Bobtown Circle in Houma, was arrested at 2:58 p.m. Saturday on charges of possession of marijuana and seat belt required.
A deputy was patrolling the area of U.S. 90 near Patterson when he observed a man driving a vehicle without a seat belt. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Harris. During the stop, marijuana was found, Smith said. Harris was booked into jail and then released on $2,250 bail.
—Marvin Mitchell Williamson Jr., 54, of La. 182 West in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 12:12 a.m. Sunday on a charge of disturbing the peace by fighting.
—Maria Cribeiro, 54, of Saturn Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 12:57 a.m. Sunday on a charge of disturbing the peace by fighting.
A deputy was dispatched to a home on Saturn Road in response to a complaint of an altercation. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with Cribeiro. During the investigation, Williamson was located at another location and was interviewed. Williamson and Cribeiro were both released on a summons to appear Oct. 16.
—Jadi Guerrero Williams, 30, of Southwest Boulevard in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 9:56 a.m. Sunday on a charge of driving under suspension.
A deputy was stationery on U.S. 90 East when he observed a vehicle cross the fog line before making a turn without using a turn signal. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Williams. The deputy was advised by dispatch that Williams was driving with a suspended license. Williams was released on a summons to appear Oct. 16.
—Mong Tuyen-Thi Duval, 33, of Wedell Street in Patterson, was arrested at 12:17 p.m. Sunday on charges of driving under suspension and expired or no inspection sticker.
A deputy patrolling Amelia observed a vehicle with no inspection sticker visible. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Duval. The deputy was advised by dispatch that Duval was driving with a suspended license. Duval was released on a summons to appear Oct. 16.
—Leroy Jackson, 44, of BB Lane in Jeanerette, was arrested at 12:10 a.m. Monday on a warrant for failure to appear on a charge of driving under suspension and tail lamps required.
A deputy was patrolling the area of U.S. 90 near Patterson when he observed a man driving a vehicle without a seat belt. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Harris. During the stop, marijuana was found, Smith said. Harris was jailed with bail set at $310.
—Leon Lipari, 36, of Main Street in Patterson, was arrested at 11:07 p.m. Saturday on three active warrants charging him with switched license plate, no insurance and theft
A deputy with the K-9 Division was patrolling the area of Bayou Vista when he observed a vehicle cross the fog line several times. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Lipari. The deputy was advised by dispatch that Lipari held active warrants for his arrest. Lipari was jailed with no bail set.
Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported that officers responded to 121 calls and reported the following arrests:
—Harril Lin Charles, 69, of Franklin Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 7:05 p.m. Friday on a charge of driving under suspension.
—Arnold Rigoberto Guerrero, 24, of Brashear Avenue in Morgan City, was arrested at 7:05 p.m. Friday on a charge of no driver’s license.
Officers were flagged down in reference to a crash involving two vehicles in the area of Sixth and Egle streets. The drivers were identified as Charles and Guerrero. During the crash investigation, a computer check revealed Charles’ driver’s license was suspended, and Guerrero did not possess a valid driver’s license, Blair said. They were both jailed.
—Adam Rene Landry, 35, of Levee Road in Morgan City, was arrested at 12:44 a.m. Saturday on a warrant charging him with failure to appear in court.
Officers came into contact with Landry on Levee Road. A warrant check revealed city court had a warrant for his arrest. He was jailed.
—Michael Wade Forristal, 47, of Honey Lane in Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested at 1:36 a.m. Sunday on a warrant charging him with probation violation.
Officers came into contact with Forristal in the area of La. 70. A warrant check revealed probation and parole had a warrant for his arrest. He was jailed.
—Timothy Adam Pojar, 39, of Federal Avenue in Morgan City, was placed under arrest at 11:05 a.m. Sunday on a warrant charging him with criminal neglect of family.
An officer responding to a complaint came into contact with Pojar at a home on Federal Avenue. A warrant check revealed 16th District Court held an active warrant for his arrest. He was jailed.
Patterson Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported the following arrests:
—Jose M. Martinez-Morales, 43, of Francis Street in Patterson, was arrested at 8:09 p.m. Friday on charges of speeding 68 mph in a 55 mph zone, suspended/revoked driver’s license and a St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant. He paid $77 bail.
—Brandy L. Solar, 40, of Emy Lane in Patterson, was arrested at 9:36 p.m. Friday on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, theft, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling and a St. Mary Parish warrant charging her with simple criminal damage to property. Solar was transferred to parish jail.
—Cherie A. Hazel, 27, of Main Street in Patterson, was arrested at 8:09 p.m. Saturday on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of expired motor vehicle inspection sticker, no proof of insurance and failure to appear for court date. Bail was set at $688.
—Nick J. Jackson, 36, of Carol Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 12:09 a.m. Sunday on a charge of disturbing the peace intoxicated. Jackson posted $357 bail.
Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon reported the following arrests relating to the area:
—Cody James Legnon, 40, of Smithtown Road in Lumberton, Mississippi, was arrested on charges of resisting an officer by providing false information and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
—Jennifer L. Cross, 39, of Legnon Court in Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested on a charge of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
Deputies and narcotics agents received information indicating illegal drug activity ongoing in the 100 block of Legnon Court. On Saturday evening, sheriff’s office investigators went to the home in question and spoke to two individuals concerning the ongoing criminal complaint.
At the time, the person eventually identified as Legnon, provided false identification to deputies, Falcon said. As a result of prior information received and onsite investigation, agents established probable cause to obtain a search warrant and applied for the same. The search warrant was granted. Deputies executed the search warrant and seized marijuana, Falcon said. Both were jailed pending bail hearings.
PGC presents July yard award
Cassie and Christopher Carbonell were presented one of the Patterson Garden Club Yard of the Month awards for July. The neatly planted yard has Sunshine hawthorn, liriope, petunia, verbena, calla lily, foxtail fern, purple haze and jasmine.
