Second high-speed chase ends in two arrests

Staff Report

For the second time in a week, local law enforcement officers were dragged into a high-speed chase that ended in two arrests.

According to Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper, Off. Chris Cayer attempted a traffic stop on a blue Mitsubishi with Louisiana tags on June 19 on Main Street.

“Off. Cayer noticed the vehicle had obstructed tail lamps,” Cropper said. “Using lights and sirens, he followed as the vehicle pulled through the parking lot of a local Mexican restaurant on Main Street.”

The vehicle, driven by a white male with a white female in the passenger seat, reportedly refused to stop on Pine Street. Cropper said the driver led officers Cayer and Kendale Booker on a chase through the areas of Marshall, Constable and Clerk streets at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.

“Dispatch confirmed the vehicle had switched plates,” Cropper said.

The pursuit eventually led to Methodist Camp Road where the female passenger reportedly exited the vehicle. She jumped into Caney Lake, swimming away. Off. Booker reportedly jumped into the lake and apprehended her.

“The driver continued and eventually wrecked the vehicle on Methodist Camp Road,” Cropper said. “Then it was determined to have no insurances, inspection sticker or registration.

The male ran through the woods and was apprehended a short time later by Webster Parish deputies.

The driver, Kevin Sykes, 35, of Minden, was arrested for aggravated flight, obstructed taillights, switched tags, suspended drivers license, no registration, no insurance and no inspection sticker. He was transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

The passenger, Sherianne Schindler, was charged with resisting by flight.