By Pat Culverhouse

A 42-year-old man is currently in custody after he took allegedly took an unauthorized stroll through the local animal shelter in Minden, then allegedly threatened and fought with police officers who responded to the call.

Officers were called to the Ewell Rd. area when reports were received of an unwanted male inside the animal shelter’s locked gate just after 8:30 a.m. Saturday. As officers were enroute, they learned the man had left the shelter and was walking on the road near Ewell Park.

When officers approached the man, identified as Michael James Rhodes of Homer, he allegedly began shouting, “Back up, I’m going to shoot.” During the initial confrontation, Rhodes reportedly kept his hands in his pants pockets.

Officers reportedly observed Rhodes was sweating profusely, disoriented and irate, apparent symptoms of the use of illegal narcotics. He also reportedly made several statements asking officers to shoot him.

Despite several verbal commands, Rhodes reportedly refused to comply to remove his hands from his pockets and to lie on the ground. Officers were finally able to take him into custody after a brief struggle.

Rhodes is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center where his charges include three counts of assault on a peace officer, attempted burglary, pedestrian on a highway and indecent exposure (sagging pants).

He is also charged on active warrants from the Webster Parish Sheriffs Office for felony theft and misdemeanor possession of stolen things. Rhodes’ bond has been set at $4,501.

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.