By Bonnie Culverhouse
A Minden man who couldn’t outrun police in his vehicle, gave it a second and third try on foot before he was taken into custody for a final time.
Dylan Turk, 23, of the 1100 block of Millard Fuller Road, has been charged with no brake light, running a stop sign, resisting an officer by flight, resisting an officer with force or violence, probation and parole hold, obstruction of justice, attempted simple escape, simple escape and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said Lt. Kenneth James was in pursuit of Turk, who was on Pine St. driving at a high rate of speed with a missing taillight.
“Officer First Class Anthony Miller and Officer Jason Lee were in stationary vehicles at the corner of Pine and Ash streets,” Cropper said. “When contacted by Lt. James, they fell into pursuit of the red Nissan, which was headed toward Bayou Ave.”
Ofc. Miller reportedly observed a gray car at the stop sign at Goodwill Street and Bayou Ave.
“The red Nissan crossed the center into the other lane, running the stop sign and driving into an embankment on Bayou Ave. across from Goodwill,” said the chief. “The driver, Turk, exited the vehicle and ran toward Miller St. Ofc.
Miller pursued him on foot, reporting it over his radio. He could tell Turk had his hands in front of his body, as if he were holding something. When Turk turned back toward Miller, the officer observed a firearm in his hand.”
Ofc. Miller reportedly unholstered his weapon and pointed it toward Turk, giving a loud verbal command to show his hands. According to reports, Turk tossed the firearm over a wood fence.
He was placed into handcuffs, and during a criminal history check, officers, including Lt. Chris McClaran, learned he was convicted of a felony in 2019 for possession with intent to distribute Sch. II and sentenced to five years hard labor.
“Once Turk was escorted to the patrol unit, he refused to sit inside, resisting officers’ efforts to secure him in the vehicle,” Cropper said. “Once he was inside the unit, he attempted to escape custody before the door was closed.”
During this attempt, Turk reportedly kicked Deputy Ward Marshal Joe Cornelius on his left elbow. Once Turk was being removed from the patrol unit at the Minden Police Department, he reportedly escaped Off. Lee’s custody by pulling away and fleeing on foot.
“After a short foot pursuit, he was taken back into custody and shackled,” said the chief.
