By Bonnie Culverhouse
A Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center inmate is back behind bars after walking away from the work release program.
Matthew Wayne Hay, 36, of the 1400 block of Franklin Rd., Heflin, is charged with simple escape after leaving his job at Smith Marine without permission.
Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said last Wednesday, around 1:30 p.m., Hay’s girlfriend arrived at the business and picked up Hay in her vehicle.
“Later, Minden Police Officer Kendale Booker observed Hay driving his girlfriend’s vehicle on Lee St.,” Parker said. “The officer initiated a traffic stop for failure to wear a seatbelt, failure to use a turn signal and obstruction of view.
“While on the traffic stop, Off. Booker observed a .380 pistol in the center console and a case of beer in the backseat,” the sheriff continued. “He also observed an open can of beer on the floorboard on the passenger side of the vehicle.”
Off. Booker reportedly learned that Hay is currently incarcerated and contacted Work Release Director Randy Culpepper. He was taken to Minden Police Department and collected by a WPSO deputy who transported Hay back to BDCC.
“Hay had a strong odor of alcohol coming from his person,” Parker said. “A handheld breathalyzer was used and Hay’s results were .097G %. Hay admitted to having two beers, and also that he was never given permission to leave his work release job, which he allegedly has done a few times before.”
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