By Pat Culverhouse

A Minden police officer responding to a  BOLO (Be On the Look Out) broadcast reportedly nabbed a 25-year-old local man who is now housed in the parish prison facing illegal drugs and firearm charges.

LaCarlos Lofton, a resident of the 500 block of Penal Farm Rd., was arrested Friday, Aug. 15 after MPD Officer Kendale Booker spotted his vehicle which matched the description of one believed to be involved in a drive-by shooting.

Lofton was stopped on the Sibley Rd. shortly before 10 p.m. and reportedly gave consent to Officer Booker for a “walk around” inspection of the vehicle. During that inspection, the officer reportedly observed a .223 AR pistol/rifle in the front seat.

Booker also reportedly noticed a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. Further investigation resulted in a vehicle search, and inside the officer found approximately 73 grams marijuana and a large sum of cash.

After receiving his Miranda warning, Lofton reportedly admitted he owned the marijuana and was aware the firearm was inside his vehicle.

Lofton is charged with possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana) with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in the presence of CDS. He is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. No bond reportedly has been set.

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.