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(Updated) Three charged with attempted murder in Stephensville shooting

Victim in stable condition at hospital; robbery believed to be motive

Three men have been charged with attempted first-degree murder following a shooting in Stephensville early Tuesday morning during which one victim was treated for gunshot wounds at a hospital, according to a St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office news release. Investigators believe robbery may have been the initial motive in the incident.

At about 1:15 a.m. Tuesday, St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a shooting in the 1300 block of East Stephensville Road in Stephensville. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a male victim who had sustained gunshot wounds and he was subsequently transported to an area hospital where he is reported to be in stable condition, the release said.

Investigators with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office discovered that a deputy who was responding to the scene noticed a dark-colored vehicle traveling toward Morgan City from the Stephensville area at a high rate of speed.

The Morgan City Police Department was notified and shortly after, Morgan City police officers spotted the vehicle as it entered Lake End Park. They initiated a traffic stop and shortly after the vehicle stopped, two occupants of the vehicle fled on foot.

A third occupant in the vehicle, Devonte Michael Breaux, was detained by Officers and a search was immediately initiated for the two that fled, the release stated.

At 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, the first of the two suspects that fled, Nathanial Washington, was apprehended by deputies when he was discovered hiding in a dumpster in the park. The second suspect, Matthew Vincent Harrigan, turned himself in to authorities with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office shortly before noon Tuesday. Investigators suspect that robbery was the initial motive.

Breaux, 19; Washington, 37; and Harrigan, 23, all of Morgan City, were each charged with one count of attempted first-degree murder.

Following their arrests, they were all booked in to the Morgan City jail. Harrigan was subsequently transported to the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center where he was booked, and Breaux and Washington will be extradited at a later date. No bail had been set as of Tuesday night.

HMS, Centerville, West St. Mary

HANSON’S BAYLEE YOUNG applies the tag to this runner in an earlier contest. The No. 6 Hanson Memorial Lady Tigers will play host to No. 11 Houma Christian Lady Warriors on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the regional round of the Division IV playoffs. The No. 13 Centerville Lady Bulldogs will host No. 20 Arcadia today at 1 p.m. in the State Class 1-A bi-district action. The No. 31 West St. Mary Lady Wolfpack will travel to face the No. 2 Many Lady Tigers today at 4:30 p.m. in the State Class 2-A playoff opener.

Police Reports 4-18-17

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert reported the following arrests:
Somoa Scott, 140 Village Lane, Amelia, was arrested on Monday at 2:32 p.m. for improper lane usage, possession of Schedule I – synthetic cannabinoids with intent to distribute, possession of Schedule II – methamphetamine with intent to distribute, violation of a controlled dangerous substance law, possession of firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of firearm or illegal carrying of a concealed weapon by person convicted of certain felonies. No bail is set.
Racquel Barber, 41, 140 Village Lane, Amelia, was arrested on Monday at 2:32 p.m. for possession of Schedule I – synthetic cannabinoids with intent to distribute, possession of Schedule II – methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of Schedule IV – carisoprodol, possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of a controlled dangerous substance law and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance. No bail is set.
Joshua Smith, 21, 140 Village Lane, Amelia, was arrested on Monday at 1:30 p.m. for possession of Schedule I – marijuana. No bail is set.
William Doiron, 21, 1055 Oak Harbor Drive, Stephensville, was arrested on Monday at 5:55 p.m. for theft of goods and criminal damage to property. No bail is set.
Franklin Police Chief Sabria McGuire reported the following arrests:
Michael Charles, 52, Ninth Street, Franklin, was arrested on Monday, at 9:26 a.m., on warrants for failure to appear on the charges of driving under suspension, possession of drug paraphernalia and issuing worthless checks. Charles transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
Lawrence Henderson, 35, Robert Street, Franklin, was arrested on Monday, at 1:08 p.m., on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of failure to return a leased movable. Henderson was released on a summons.
Travis Walter, 33, Eleventh Street, Franklin, was arrested on Monday, at 7:46 p.m., on a warrant, for the charge of theft. No bond is set
Travis Boatman, 36, of Carl C. Foulcard St., Franklin, was arrested on Monday, at 11:27 p.m., on warrants for the charges of suspended driver’s license, attempted first degree murder of an officer, aggravated flight from an officer and resisting an officer with violence. Boatman was also arrested on a warrant for the charge of driving under suspension, stop sign violation, reckless operation and resisting an officer. No bond is set.

Investigation under way after body found in Baldwin

Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a body on the road in Baldwin early this morning.
Sheriff Mark Hebert reports that deputies were dispatched at 2 a.m. and found an unresponsive male in the 600 block of Labau Street.
The coroner’s office was contacted and the death remains under investigation with no further details available at press time.

New flood maps good for Amelia residents

Some residents in Amelia will see about a 3-foot decrease in the elevation they have to build to for flood insurance purposes starting Wednesday. St. Mary Parish’s revised Federal Emergency Management Agency digital flood insurance rate maps will officially go into effect Wednesday. All municipalities in St. Mary Parish have adopted the new maps. Almost all of Amelia, from Bayou Ramos to Bayou Boeuf, Cypremort Point and some isolated areas in St. Mary Parish will benefit from the new maps by seeing a roughly 3-foot drop in their base flood elevations, Parish Chief Administrative Officer Henry “Bo” LaGrange said. The base flood elevation ...

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Bayou Vista Garden Club recognizes Earth Day

Bayou Vista Garden Club Environmental Awareness Chairman Kim Alcina placed signs along Southeast Boulevard in Bayou Vista to promote community awareness of Earth Day, April 22. Founded by the late Sen. Gaylord Nelson in 1970, Earth Day is to promote ecology and to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the earth’s environment. This observance arose from an interest in gathering national support for environmental issues. Activities can include planting trees, picking up roadside trash, and conducting various programs for recycling and conservation. Gardeners are encouraged to “go native” and use plants that grow naturally in their area, said the Bayou Vista Garden Club. Isabella Williams and Shae LeBlanc, second-graders at Berwick Elementary, placed the signs with the assistance of Alcina.

Pair creates children’s book to benefit Erie Zoo cats

ERIE, Pa. (AP) — When 2-year-old Artie Amick couldn’t pronounce the words “tiger” and “jaguar,” he simply did what any toddler would do — he mashed them together.
“It just melted my heart every time he did it,” said Artie’s mother, Catherine “Cat” Amick, 36, of Erie. “So that was always with me in my heart.”
Amick, armed with a degree in English from Gannon University and working in marketing at Erie Insurance, decided to take her son’s made-up word and combine it with her family’s love for the Erie Zoo to bring her son’s fictional animal to life.
That’s how “Sara Sassafras and the Tiguar” was born, a children’s board book that Amick wrote. She partnered with another Erie native and co-worker at Erie Insurance, George Lippert, who illustrated the book. It takes an imaginative look at the differences between tigers, cheetahs, leopards and jaguars and the different markings on their coats. She had created the fictional character “Sara Sassfras” years prior when she often joked with her husband, Brian, about naming one of their children that name.
But she didn’t just want to create the book and sell it in stores — she wanted to give back to these animals that gave her the idea in the first place.
“I knew right away that I wanted to get the zoo involved,” Amick said. “Artie grew up there. There was a period we would go every day. We would wake up and he’d ask to go to the zoo and every time we were there, he’d have to point out the ‘tiguars.’”
The book will directly benefit the Erie Zoo’s big cat exhibits, including the lions, tigers, lynx, leopards and jaguar. It’s most appropriate for kids ages 3 to 5.
“It was so incredibly fun to create this,” said Lippert, who does graphic design for Erie Insurance. “In a lot of ways, these big cats are so similar that all that really changes is stripes, spots and markings.”
Lippert began illustrating by sketching with pen on paper and scanning in images but he has since switched to creating illustrations digitally on a tablet and creating images that have a mixed-medium look with watercolor and ink.
About $4 from each purchase will be donated to the Erie Zoo.
“The book is so cute. Obviously, our big cat exhibits are extremely important to the zoo and we are so grateful to work with them,” said Emily Antolik, director of communications for the Erie Zoo. “What would be great is if a child were able to get the book and bring it to the zoo and actually see the animals in the book and then see them in real life at the zoo.”
Those interested in donating to the project or preordering the book can do so through the zoo’s gift shop or at www.gofundme.com/sara-sassafras-and-the-tiguar. The book will be published in June or July.
Donors have the choice of keeping their book or gifting it to a local library, school or to the Erie Zoo’s education department. An audio version of the book is also available on YouTube or at facebook.com/SaraSassBooks.
“It’s really important to me that it resonates with people and they learn something from it,” Amick said. “It gives parents another opportunity to read with kids and we’d be thrilled to be part of their bookshelf.”
—Online:
http://bit.ly/2oFQJ3M

Nanny conflicted about exposing father’s bias

DEAR ABBY: I am a full-time nanny for a family with two children, ages 7 and 9. The mother is wonderful, and so are the kids. But the father, who is absent due to work travel most of the time, teaches his children attitudes I strongly disagree with. It is not often I must interact with him, but when I have, he says hateful things about people who are gay, obese or poor. The children have now begun to repeat these comments, pointing out large people when we are in public, or saying nasty things about the homeless we see as ...

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Radio logs for April 17

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the police department at 985-380-4605.
Thursday, April 13
7:51 a.m. 1200 block of Fig Street; Alarm.
8:28 a.m. 1000 block of Palm Street; Medical.
8:32 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Warrant.
8:33 a.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Alarm.
9:10 a.m. U.S. 90 East; Stalled vehicle.
9:24 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
9:53 a.m. Hickory Street; Patrol request.
9:56 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Com-plaint.
10:08 a.m. 1900 block of Federal Avenue; Traffic incident.
10:51 a.m. 500 block of Federal Avenue; Loud music.
11:32 a.m. 300 block of Garber Street; Disturbance.
11:35 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
11:54 a.m. 600 block of Grove Street; Criminal damage to property.
1:24 p.m. 1000 block of Chestnut Drive; Theft.
1:28 p.m. 500 block of Leona Street; Traffic incident.
2:33 p.m. Martin Luther King Boulevard; Traffic incident.
2:55 p.m. 200 block of Robin Drive; Medical.
3:09 p.m. 1400 block of Youngs Road; Removal of subject.
3:21 p.m. 500 block of Fourth Street; Alarm
3:31 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Com-plaint.
3:54 p.m. 300 block of Fifth Street; Complaint.
4:19 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Traffic incident.
4:39 p.m. 600 block of Belanger Street; Com-plaint.
5:03 p.m. 2400 block of Apple Street; Juvenile problem.
6:37 p.m. 500 block of Terrebonne Street; Disturbance.
7:04 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Frequent patrols.
7:08 p.m. 1400 block of Ellzey Street; Removal of subject.
7:19 p.m. Chennault Street; Suspicious per-son.
8:12 p.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Theft.
8:23 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Reckless driving.
9:01 p.m. 7100 block of Park Street; Suspicious person.
9:26 p.m. 1400 block of Ellzey Street; Disturbance.
10:32 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
10:43 p.m. 700 block of Fifth Street; Loud noise.
11:22 p.m. 200 block of Wren Street; Disturbance.
11:49 p.m. 300 block of Patton Street; Assistance.
Friday, April 14
1:19 a.m. 200 block of South Railroad Avenue; Theft.
1:30 a.m. 700 block of Fifth Street; Loud noise.
2:46 a.m. 500 block of Egle Street; Suspicious person.
2:58 a.m. 200 block of Brashear Avenue; Medical.
7:02 a.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Fire alarm
8:29 a.m. U.S. 90 West; Traffic incident.
10:31 a.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Complaint.
10:55 a.m. 200 block of Levee Road; Suspicious person.
11:05 a.m. 700 block of Freret Street; Criminal damage to property.
12:24 p.m. Laurel Street; Vehicle accident.
12:34 p.m. 1800 Victor II Boulevard; Complaint.
12:51 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Disturbance.
1:49 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Theft
3:04 p.m. 7100 block of Park Road; Complaint.
5:01 p.m. 2300 block of Clements Street; Criminal damage to property.
5:07 p.m. 1500 block of Federal Avenue; Suspicious person.
5:20 p.m. North Everett Street; Complaint.
5:41 p.m. 600 block of Duke Street; Medical emergency.
6:46 p.m. 300 block of Laurel Street; Com-plaint.
6:59 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Crash.
6:59 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest
7:29 p.m. 1100 block of Clothilde Street; Theft
7:58 p.m. 300 block of Wren Street; Officer stand by.
8:02 p.m. Belanger Street; Traffic complaint.
8:17 p.m. 500 block of Fifth Street; Welfare concern.
8:32 p.m. Youngs Road; Suspicious subject.
8:36 p.m. 1100 block of Second Street; Disturbance.
8:42 p.m. 1500 block of Bernice Street; Residential burglary.
9:19 p.m. Federal Avenue and Orange Street; Loud music.
9:25 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
10:43 p.m. 600 block of Railroad Avenue; Disturbance.
10:47 p.m. U.S. 90; Suspicious subject.
Saturday, April 15
12:05 a.m. Second Street; Disturbance.
3:31 a.m. 600 block of Kentucky Street; Com-plaint.
5:25 a.m. 800 block of Clothilde Street; Disturbance.
8:11 a.m. 7300 block of La. 182 East; Alarm.
8:44 a.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
10:39 a.m. 700 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard; 911 hang up call.
10:50 a.m. 1500 block of Filmore Street; Com-plaint.
11:53 a.m. 500 block of Bowman Street; Theft.
12:30 p.m. 500 block of Fourth Street; Com-plaint.
1:22 p.m. Poncio Street; Fight.
2:31 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Complaint.
3:23 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Com-plaint.
3:49 p.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.
4:21 p.m. 2600 block of Hemlock Street; Alarm.
5:10 p.m. 300 block of Aucoin Street; Com-plaint.
5:36 p.m. Second Street towards old bridge, Berwick; Assistance.
7:16 p.m. 1700 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.
7:23 p.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Com-plaint.
7:31 p.m. 700 block of Fifth Street; Disturbance.
7:37 p.m. 600 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard; Reckless operation.
8:13 p.m. Federal Avenue and Garber Street; Traffic complaint.
8:55 p.m. La. 70; Traffic complaint.
9:53 p.m. Youngs Road; Suspicious subject.
10:09 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Medical.
10:27 p.m. Sixth Street; Crash.
Sunday, April 16
2:26 a.m. Fig Street and La. 70; Crash.
4:20 a.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Medical.
7:31 a.m. La. 182 East; Animal complaint.
12:08 p.m. 600 block of Aucoin Street; Animal complaint.
2:05 p.m. 2600 block of Sixth Street; Complaint.
2:09 p.m. La. 182 and Ditch Avenue; Traffic incident.
3:06 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Criminal damage to property.
3:06 p.m. 7700 block of La. 182 East; Accident.
4:30 p.m. 300 block of South Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
4:49 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Reckless driver.
5:14 p.m. 700 block of Maryland Street; Loud music.
5:28 p.m. 1300 block of Railroad Avenue; Vehicle theft.
6:06 p.m. 1100 block of Hickory Street; Animal complaint.
6:17 p.m. Belanger Street; Animal com-plaint.
7:28 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Animal com-plaint.
7:30 p.m. 900 block of Short Street; Phone harassment.
8:45 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
8:50 p.m. 100 block of 11th Street; Complaint.
9:38 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Narcotics complaint.
10:09 p.m. Berwick; Assistance.
10:20 p.m. 2400 block of Apple Street; Remove subject.
10:29 p.m. 300 block of Patton Street; Disturbance.
Monday, April 17
12:12 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Loud music.
1:48 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
2:53 a.m. Patton Street; Battery.

Police: Suspect fled from officers at speeds over 100 mph

A 23-year-old Morgan City man was charged with aggravated flight from an officer after fleeing from police officers at speeds of over 100 mph during a chase in Morgan City early Monday morning, Police Chief James Blair said in a news release.
—Savion P. Dixon, 23, of Barrow Street in Morgan City, arrested at 2:14 a.m. Monday on charges of aggravated flight from an officer, aggravated obstruction of highway commerce, failure to signal 100 feet prior to an intersection, improper lighting, no driver’s license and resisting an officer by giving false information.
Patrol officers observed a vehicle in the area of La. 182 without proper lighting. The vehicle was also observed turning onto Myrtle Street failing to signal prior to the turn.
Officers activated their blue emergency lights and upon doing so the vehicle fled from the officer. The vehicle was traveling at speeds in upwards of 70 mph in a 30 mph zone. The vehicle was being operated in an erratic manner failing to obey traffic signals and entered onto U.S. 90.
The vehicle was later observed operating rates at speeds over 100 mph.
The vehicle exited off of U.S. 90 leaving the roadway crashing into the woods causing the vehicle to flip. Dixon was located in the vehicle and identified as the driver. Dixon allegedly admitted that he fled from officers because he did not have a valid driver’s license. Dixon was jailed.
Blair reported the following arrests:
—Cade Ordoyne, 18, of Brier Street in Schriever, arrested at 9:45 a.m. Thursday on warrants charging him with no driver’s license and resisting an officer
Ordoyne was located and arrested at the Terrebonne Parish Detention Center on active arrest warrants. The warrants stem from a September 2016 investigation in which patrol officers saw Ordoyne driving a vehicle. The officers knew of active warrants for his arrest.
Upon initiating a stop, Ordoyne fled from officers on foot. Ordoyne also did not have a valid driver’s license. Ordoyne was jailed.
—Shanita Evans, 38, of Oak Street in Morgan City, arrested at 8:19 p.m. Thursday on charges of theft of goods, possession of MDMA, possession of Tramadol, violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance law-drug free zone and on a warrant for failure to appear for trial.
Patrol officers responded to a local business in the area of La. 70 in regard to an alleged shoplifter. Upon arrival, the suspect had already left the business walking. Evans was located in the area moments later and was found to be in possession of stolen merchandise.
Evans was also in possession of suspected MDMA and Tramadol. The area where the incident had taken place was within a drug free zone. Evans was arrested and transported to the Morgan City jail.
Upon arriving to the jail a warrant was located for Evans through the 16th Judicial District Court. Evans was jailed.
—Ronnie Hatcher, 17, of Apple Street in Morgan City, arrested at 3:07 a.m. Friday on a warrant charging him with simple battery.
Hatcher was located in the area of Sixth Street and arrested on a warrant. The warrant stems from a January investigation when officers responded to a large disturbance in the area of Barrow Street.
Officers arrived, and learned that the victim was allegedly attacked by several people. One of the people was identified by the victim as Hatcher who had already left the area. A warrant was prepared for Hatcher’s arrest. Hatcher was jailed.
—Keirra A. Paddio, 18, of Freret Street in Morgan City, arrested at 11:21 a.m. Friday on a charge of criminal damage to property.
Patrol officers responded to the area of Freret Street in regard to a damage-to-property complaint. Officers arrived and according to reports the victim alleged that Paddio had gone to the home and broke and window and a door frame.
Paddio was located a short time later in the area and allegedly admitted to the damaged that was caused. Paddio was jailed.
—Seth Martin, 25, of Morgan City, arrested at 11:13 a.m. Friday on charges of possession of synthetic cannabinoids, possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance law-drug free zone and disturbing the peace intoxicated.
Patrol officers responded to the area of Levee Road in regard to a person who appeared to be in an intoxicated state. Officers arrived and obtained a description of the person. Martin was located in the area sleeping while lying on garbage.
Officers awoke Martin, who was in an intoxicated state.
Martin allegedly admitted that he was under the influence of synthetic cannabinoids and had some in his possession. The suspected synthetic cannabinoids was located in Martin along with items of drug paraphernalia. The area where this incident took place was within a drug free zone. Martin was jailed.
—Sidney Borque Jr., 61, of Vivian Street in Morgan City, arrested at 12:43 p.m. Friday on a warrant for failure to appear to pay a fine. Borque was located in the area of Victor II Boulevard and arrested on city court warrants. Borque was jailed.
—Ethlin J. A. Simmons, 34, of Fifth Street in Morgan City, arrested at 5:41 p.m. Friday on charges of hit and run and use of a telecommunication device.
Patrol officers were flagged down in the area of North Everett Street in regard to a crash that had just occurred and one of the vehicles left the area. Simmons was identified as a suspect and located a short time later.
Simmons allegedly admitted to striking the vehicle while she was texting on her phone and driving. After the crash she left the area. Simmons was jailed.
—Ernest S. Oneal, 35, of Railroad Avenue in Morgan City, arrested at 11:36 p.m. Friday on a charge of theft less than $750.
Patrol officers responded to the area of Railroad Avenue in regard to a complaint of a disturbance. Oneal was identified as one of the person involved in the disturbance. Oneal was advised to leave the area at which time a cab transported him.
Officers were in the area of Brashear Avenue where Oneal was dropped off. Oneal was seen exiting the cab abruptly and attempting to leave the area. Oneal allegedly failed to pay his cab fare. Oneal was jailed.
—Nathaniel Rollins, 21, of Brashear Avenue in Morgan City, arrested at 1:07 a.m. Sunday on a charge of no driver’s license.
Patrol officers observed Rollins operating a vehicle and had knowledge that he did not have a valid driver’s license. A stop was initiated in the area of La. 182, and Rollins made maneuvers through a parking lot in what appeared to be an attempt to evade the stop.
Rollins stopped a short time later, and he allegedly admitted that he was attempting to get away because he did not have a driver’s license. Rollins was jailed.
—Scott J. Comeaux Sr., 38, of Levee Road in Morgan City, arrested at 2:28 a.m. Sunday on charges of DWI first offense, careless operation of a motor vehicle, driving under suspension and open container in a vehicle.
Patrol officers were in the area of La. 70 when a loud crash was heard. Officers patrolled the area and located a vehicle that had struck a utility pole attempting to leave.
Officers initiated a stop on the vehicle at which time Comeaux was identified as the driver. Upon making contact officers detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath.
Comeaux performed poorly a standardized field sobriety test. Comeaux was arrested and transported to the Morgan City jail for a chemical test. Comeaux registered 0.231 grams-percent blood alcohol content on the test and was jailed.
—Deonte D. Harris, 19, of Lake Palourde Road in Amelia, arrested at 10:45 a.m. Sunday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no driver’s license and no seat belt.
Patrol officers initiated a stop on a vehicle in the area of La. 182 due to a restraint violation. Harris was identified as the driver and officers detected an odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle.
Harris was advised of the odor and admitted that there was marijuana in the vehicle. Officers located suspected marijuana along with drug paraphernalia. Harris also did not have a valid driver’s license. Harris was jailed.
—Mandi Hatfield, 29, of Florence Street in Morgan City, arrested at 3:30 p.m. Sunday on a charge of driving under suspension
Patrol officers observed a vehicle being operated by a female known as Hatfield. The officer had knowledge that Hatfield license was under suspension. After confirmation a stop was initiated on the vehicle in the area of Cottonwood Street. Hatfield was jailed.
—Tonnia E. Wade, 43, of Limoges Street in Duson, arrested at 7:13 p.m. Sunday on charges of DWI first offense, speeding and no driver’s license.
Patrol officers observed a vehicle in the area of Railroad Avenue traveling at a speed much higher than the 35 mph speed limit and stopped the vehicle. Wade was identified as the driver of the vehicle.
Officers detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from Wade. Wade performed poorly on a field sobriety test. Wade allegedly refused to submit to test chemical test at the police department. Wade did not have a valid driver’s license. Wade was jailed.
—Ronald R. Poret, 58, of Louisiana Avenue in Lafayette, arrested at 7:17 p.m. Sunday on charges of possession of marijuana and violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance law-drug free zone.
Officers initiated on a vehicle in which Poret was identified as a passenger. Police detected an odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. Poret was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana. The area where the incident took place was within a drug free zone. Poret was jailed.
—Sebastian Sustaita, 36, of Sydney Jo Lane in Berwick, arrested at 7:46 p.m. Sunday on a charge of DWI first offense and careless operation of a motor vehicle.
Patrol officers responded to the area of U.S. 90 in regard to a vehicle being operated in a reckless manner. A description of the vehicle was obtained and indicated that the vehicle had struck the side of the bridge and stopped in the area of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Officers located the vehicle and identified the driver as Sustaita. Officers detected an odor of alcoholic beverage emitting from Sustaita’s breath.
Sustaita performed poorly on a field sobriety test. Sustaita was transported to the Morgan City jail for a chemical test and Sustaita refused to submit to the test. Sustaita was jailed.
—Jeremy P. Spears, 31, of Dublin Circle in Lafayette, arrested at 8:47 p.m. Monday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of uniform a controlled dangerous substance law-drug free zone.
—Heather R. Ganaway, 30, of Jupiter Street in Morgan City, arrested at 9:27 p.m. Sunday on charges of failure to signal 100 feet prior to an intersection, no insurance, no registration, no driver’s license and resisting an officer by giving false information.
Patrol officers observed a vehicle traveling in the area of Railroad Avenue with no license plate that was visible. The vehicle turned onto Second Street failing to signal 100 feet prior. A stop was initiated and the driver identified herself as Broussard.
While speaking with the woman, officers noticed she was nervous. When asked about her nervousness, she allegedly admitted to being in possession drug paraphernalia. Spears was identified as a passenger in the vehicle. Police located drug paraphernalia and suspected marijuana in the vehicle.
Spears allegedly admitted that everything located belonged to him. Investigators learned the female driver had allegedly given officers a false name. Her real name was found to be Heather R. Ganaway. The area where this incident took place was in a drug free zone. The vehicle was also not registered and was not properly insured.
Ganaway also didn’t have a valid driver’s license. Ganaway and Spears were jailed.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert reported responding to 160 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:
—Joshua L. Boudreaux, 31, of Cypress Street in Franklin, was arrested at 7:30 a.m. Thursday on a charge of aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce.
A deputy responded to a complaint of a vehicle parked partially in the roadway on La. 182 in Bayou Vista near Lagonda Lane. The deputy located the driver and identified him as Boudreaux.
While speaking with him, the deputy learned that Boudreaux had taken an illegal drug prior to stopping the vehicle in the roadway.
The deputy contacted Acadian Ambulance and Boudreaux was transported to an area hospital for evaluation. Following his release from the medical facility, Boudreaux was transported to parish jail with no bail set.
—Matthew S. Ortamond, 24, of Herman Dupuis Road in Breaux Bridge, was arrested at 9:21 a.m. Thursday on a charge of violation of the general speed law in a construction zone.
A deputy observed a vehicle traveling at 83 mph in a 55 mph construction zone on U.S. 90 in the Calumet area. The deputy conducted a traffic stop. The driver, Ortamond, was subsequently released on a summons to appear in court July 10.
—Jerimiah Thomas, 22, of Goode Street in Houma, was arrested at 1:23 a.m. Friday on a charge of possession of marijuana. A deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding on U.S. 90 in Bayou Vista near Anthony Street.
While speaking with the occupants, the deputy smelled the strong odor of marijuana. The deputy conducted a search of the vehicle and located loose marijuana and a partially burnt marijuana cigarette. During the investigation, the deputy found evidence that the marijuana belonged to Thomas who was a passenger in the vehicle. Thomas was released on a summons to appear in court on July 10, 2017.
—Christopher Percle, 18, of Clements Lane in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 2:59 a.m. Saturday on charges of three counts simple burglary and vagrancy.
A deputy patrolling Bayou Vista observed a men rummaging through a plastic container in a vacant parking lot. The deputy stopped to speak with the subject and identified him as Percle.
While speaking with him, the deputy collected evidence that the items in Percle's possession were stolen. Through investigation, the deputy found that Percle stole a bicycle from a home on La. 182 and stole a wallet and plastic container and tools from unlocked vehicles at residences on Southwest Road and Seventy-Nine Pines Lane. The items were returned to the owners. Percle was jailed with no bail set.
Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported the following arrests:
—Devante Frank, 25, of Dora Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 11:54 p.m. Friday on a charge of disturbing the peace. Frank posted $176 bail.
—Jamerson Williams, 38, of Oregon Street in Berwick, was arrested at 1:14 a.m. Saturday on a charge of disturbing the peace. Williams posted $176 bail.
—Christopher Simon, 28, of Langlinais Road in Youngsville, was arrested at 9:57 p.m. Saturday on a charge of suspended driver’s license. Simon posted $1,000 bail.
—Jody Cubbedge Sr., 59, of Second Street in Berwick, was arrested at 7:35 p.m. Saturday on a charge of disturbing the peace third offense. Bail is set at $216.
—Kenneth Perez Jr., 34, of River Road in Berwick, was arrested at 6:01 p.m. Sunday on a charge of suspended driver’s license. Perez posted $1,000 bail.
—Jerell Jones, 25, of Red Cypress Road in Patterson, was arrested at 10:26 p.m. Sunday on charges of suspended driver’s license, switched license plate, no motor vehicle registration and no insurance. Jones posted $11,750 bail.
Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle reported the following arrests:
—Asia M. Do, 22, of Pearl Lane in Franklin, was arrested at 4:03 p.m. Friday on charges of possession of stolen property, suspended driver’s license, switched license plate, expired inspection sticker, no insurance, and failure to change registration. Do was transported to parish jail with no bail set.
—Cotina Walton, 34, of Charlotte Drive in Patterson, was arrested at 2:11 p.m. Sunday on a warrant on identity theft and theft. Walton was transported to parish jail with a bail set at $50,000.

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Franklin Banner-Tribune
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