By Pat Culverhouse
A lengthy investigation by the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office narcotics division into illegal drug activities climaxed Thursday morning when officers from two agencies nabbed a 42-year-old Minden man on numerous distribution charges.
Derian Dequan Reed, who listed a residence in the 1100 block of Tillman Dr., was arrested after he attempted to flee from officers executing a search warrant at his residence. Reed was subdued by the Minden Police Department’s K9 officer Brahm while attempting to escape.
Sheriff Jason Parker said Capt. Bobby Igo III and Sergeants Shawn Jenkins and Josh McCormick had been investigating Reed’s alleged involvement in illegal drug distribution for some time. With the assistance of MPD’s Special Response Team, deputies served the warrant around 11 a.m.
“Our unit had been investigating this individual for quite some time and we had built a solid case to obtain a warrant,” Parker said. “We contacted MPD and Chief (Jared) McIver didn’t hesitate to give us any support we needed. We worked very well together to get this person.”
During a search of the residence, officers reportedly found a variety of drugs, approximately $11,000 in cash which Parker said is consistent with drug sales, and three firearms.
“Along with the narcotics, we found a .40 caliber pistol on the nightstand in his bedroom, an AR-type rifle under the bed and another handgun on a coffee table,” Parker said. “This person is dangerous.”
Reed is looking at a litany of charges that include:
• Possession of Methamphetamine (176 grams) with intent to distribute.
• Possession of cocaine (27.8 grams) with intent to distribute.
• Possession of marijuana (135.3 grams) with intent to distribute.
• Possession of synthetic marijuana (100 grams) with intent to distribute.
• Possession of Ecstasy (146.2 grams) with intent to distribute.
• Possession of Fentanyl (15 grams) with intent to distribute.
• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
• Possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.
• Outstanding warrant, distribution of Methamphetamine.
• Resisting an officer.
“It’s always good to see the hard work of investigators pay off with an arrest like this one,” Parker said. “Thanks to the cooperation of MPD, this arrest was successful, none of our officers or deputies were injured. And, this guy is out of business.”
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.