By Bonnie Culverhouse
A Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputy has died following pursuit of a speeding motorcyclist Tuesday.
Sheriff Jason Parker said Trey Copeland, a deputy and Cotton Valley Police Officer, was assisting WPSO Deputy C. Barton in chasing Johnny Jenkins of the 300 block of East St. Cotton Valley on U.S. 371, south of Sarepta at around 6:30 p.m.
“The pursuit ended at 6:48 p.m. when the driver of the motorcycle crashed near the XTO Plant in Cotton Valley,” Parker said. “Deputy Copeland, who was working in the capacity of police officer at the time, assisted in the pursuit.”
Parker said when Jenkins was in custody, Copeland indicated he was not feeling well. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. Cause of death is unknown at this time.
Copeland was a Bayou Dorcheat Corrections deputy. In October of this year, he would have been with WPSO 15 years. Parker said he has served as a Cotton Valley Police Officer for approximately one year. Copeland was 47 years old.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family,” Parker said. “He was a loyal and dedicated servant to the citizens of Webster Parish. He will truly be missed.”
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