By Bonnie Culverhouse
A north Webster Parish couple was arrested after a pursuit that ended in a wreck and multiple drug charges.
Brandon Michael Charles, 20, of Reiny Circle, Springhill and Tayonia Tonique Cooper, of the 100 block of Hickory St., Springhill, were arrested by Springhill Police Narcotics division for aggravated flight from an officer, possession with intent to distribute Ecstasy, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance and conspiracy to distribution.
According to reports, Off. Julan Dilorenzo and Sgt. Cliff Causey were notified in the early morning hours Saturday of a vehicle pursuit from Lafayette County Sheriff in Arkansas.
The vehicle crossed the state line, entering Springhill.
“The vehicle was eventually stopped after running several stop signs, leaving the roadway, going across fields and crossing medians while several marked patrol units were in pursuit,” said Springhill Police Chief Will Lynd. “Pursuing officers observed the passenger throwing items out of the side window.”
The vehicle, driven by Charles, reportedly wrecked and came to a stop near 1st St., SE and Roosevelt Loop in Springhill.
Lynd said Dilorenzo took Charles and the passenger, identified as Cooper into custody without incident. Detectives Jones and Wedgeworth were reportedly called to the scene due to large amounts of narcotics and a weapon in plain view inside the vehicle.
Detectives searched the vehicle and the following items were recovered: one M12 380 caliber assault weapon loaded with 29 rounds in the magazine and one round chambered, 2 large bags of marijuana (total 10.15 oz), 3 bags of methamphetamine Ecstasy pills and powder (totaling 40.4 grams), 1 large bag of crack cocaine (27.3 grams), one set of digital scales and dozens of various size Zip Loc and sandwich bags.
“After both were read their rights, Cooper waived hers and stated she didn’t know anything about the narcotics but admitted to throwing a bag out the window,” Lynd said.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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