By Pat Culverhouse
A lengthy investigation centering on a Springhill man’s alleged illegal drug and firearms activities ended last week when Springhill officers apprehended 23-year-old Brandon Michael Charles as he attempted to flee a traffic stop.
Chief of Police Will Lynd said Charles is facing a number of charges involving drugs and firearm possession, including:
• Possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana) with intent to distribute.
• Possession of CDS Sch II (methamphetamines) with intent to distribute.
• Possession of a firearm in the presence of CDS.
• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
• Resisting an officer with force or violence.
• Aggravated battery of a police officer.
Charles reportedly is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center under a $40,000 bond.
Lynd said Springhill detectives attempted to take Charles into custody on outstanding warrants during the traffic stop, but the suspect attempted to flee in his vehicle.
During his attempted escape, he allegedly dragged Det. Amandia Hamilton approximately 75 yards with his vehicle before she managed to work free. Det. Hamilton reportedly was not seriously injured.
Springhill Det. Rodney Hile reportedly pursued Charles roughly 500 yards before he wrecked his vehicle, then fled on foot. He was apprehended following a brief chase.
Detectives reportedly retraced the route of Charles’ attempted escape and discovered a backpack on the roadside. Inside, the officers found one ziplock baggie containing suspected methamphetamines and another large bag of suspected marijuana. Also inside the backpack were packaging materials, scales and a magazine for a 9MM handgun.
A further search of the area near where the backpack was discarded reportedly revealed a loaded 9MM handgun with obliterated serial numbers.
Detectives reportedly searched Charles’ social media accounts and found photographs of a handgun similar to the one discarded. After obtaining a search warrant for his Reiny Circle residence, detectives found drug paraphernalia and an extended firearm magazine.
Lynd said the firearm and backpack have been forwarded to the North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory for DNA analysis to support their case.
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.